Two taken to hospital after light plane crash near Christchurch

Two people have been taken to hospital after a light aircraft made an emergency landing at Rangiora Airfield, near Christchurch.

Canterbury Rural Area Commander Inspector Peter Cooper, said in a statement that the plane had an issue on take-off and the pilot performed an emergency landing in a paddock short of the runway.

The incident happened at about 11am with five people on board the plane.

St John told 1News that it responded with four ambulances. In a statement at 4pm, it said it had taken two patients to Christchurch Hospital with moderate injuries.

Earlier at 1pm, Cooper said "only minor injuries have been reported".

"Police are in attendance and are assisting in securing the scene," he said.