Multiple fire crews were called to Christchurch Airport after smoke was seen coming from a plane already on the ground.

A St John spokesman told chrislynchmedia.com they were notified of an aircraft incident on Durey Road at 1.33pm.

“An operations manager attended the scene, but our assistance was not required and we were stood down,” he said.

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said all passengers were safely disembarked, and the fault was believed to be a hydraulics issue.

Moments later, a light plane made a forced landing outside the official runway area.

St John said it was made aware of the second incident and responded with two operations managers and a rapid response unit, but was again stood down.

Two people were on board the light aircraft and were not injured.