A Motueka microlight pilot has escaped the crash of his aircraft with only minor injuries.
The microlight crashed into a kiwifruit orchard near Motueka Airport just after 12.30pm on Monday.
Senior Sergeant Stu Koeofed, of Tasman, said the 63-year-old pilot's aircraft experienced engine trouble and tried to glide back to the airport.
Mr Koeofed said the pilot was able to walk away from the wreckage.
The crash has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority.