NT Police Fire and Emergency Services were alerted to an aircraft in distress today at 1:55pm.

The twin engine Beechcraft Baron was travelling from Katherine when the pilot noticed a broken rod upon lowering the undercarriage and notified authorities.

NT Police Fire and Emergency Services attended the airport on standby in anticipation for the emergency landing.

The plane was forced to circle the Nhulunbuy airport for 55 minutes to burn fuel before making a successful landing with out incident.

The pilot was the only occupant of the aircraft.

The incident is now being investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Duty Superintendent Craig Ryan says "This incident could have potentially been very serious, but the emergency was handled very professionally by the pilot, who landed his aircraft safely."

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
8922 3185