Close Call at Tauranga Airport: Plane's Front Landing Gear Collapses on Touchdown

A Cessna aircraft experienced a hard landing at Tauranga Airport in New Zealand on May 30, 2025, around noon. The incident was captured on video by a bystander, showing the plane's front landing gear collapsing upon touchdown. A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman confirmed that three crews were dispatched as a precaution because the landing gear was not correctly locked. "The aircraft has landed safely," the spokesman said. One crew remained at the scene to assist. The pilot and passengers were unharmed. The incident highlights the importance of proper safety procedures during landing. The video footage provides a compelling visual record of the event, underscoring the potential consequences of mechanical failure.