By: KAROLINE TUCKEY / www.stuff.co.nz

Smoke in the cockpit of a plane had emergency services rushing to Palmerston North Airport, but the pilot managed to land successfully. A police spokeswoman said the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit just before 10.15am. Police, ambulance and firefighters responded. They were stood down soon after. A spokeswoman from Airways’ Palmerston North Tower said the pilot, in a Massey aviation twin star DA42 aircraft, also initially reported landing gear issues. “The pilot sent a standard emergency call, requesting a local standby of emergency services. Local standby means that all local and town services are advised but remain where they are. “The aircraft was given priority, joined direct to Palmerston North Tower, and landed safely.” The emergency call was cancelled at shortly after 10.15am. The aircraft had no visible evidence of any fire, smoke or damage, she said.