Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Firefighters were called to the Woodbourne Base, west of Blenheim, shortly before 1pm Sunday, after a plane reported smoke in the cockpit.
Fire and Emergency shift manager Ryan Dawson said the plane, reported as a 50-seater Q-300, landed safely a few minutes later and firefighters responding to the emergency call were stood down.
St John also responded, but was turned around before reaching the base.
The Defence Force has been approached for comment.
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