Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken, of Dunedin, said the Brighton Rd resident, aged 80, was flying his home-built microlight from Taieri Aerodrome to a private airstrip on his property when the drive belt on the engine broke, causing the aircraft's propeller to lose power.
Although the man, described by police as a pilot with many years' experience, made a forced landing on rough ground near Wavy Knowes Dr, Waldronville, he was able to control the biplane's descent and was uninjured in the crash landing.
Only the microlight aircraft's propeller and engine cowling suffered damage in the crash.
The Civil Aviation Authority would receive a police report and had released the plane, believed to be a three-quarter scale replica of a World War 1 German Albatross fighter, to its owner for removal last night.
"There was no fire or injury and no reason for investigation," Snr Sgt Aitken said.
Waldronville residents the Otago Daily Times spoke to last night said the man was often seen flying in the area, and owned several aircraft.
