Full emergency as small plane returns to airport

The airport declared a full emergency as a precaution, but the plane landed safely shortly afterwards

Guernsey Airport declared a full emergency after a small plane returned to the runway minutes after taking off because of engine difficulties on Tuesday, Guernsey Ports said.

The single-engine Piper plane took off shortly after 18:00 BST but the pilot noticed a "rough-running engine" and decided to return immediately to the airport.

The airport declared a full emergency as a precaution "given the situation so that the right resources were on the ground", and the plane landed safely shortly afterwards, Guernsey Ports said.

Steve Langlois, head of passenger operations and aviation security for Guernsey Ports, said the "locally-based" light aircraft would be examined for any issues, but that rough-running engines "do happen from time to time".

Eye witness Michaela Northey described hearing a "spluttering" engine as she saw the plane pass overhead.