Emergency landing at Avalon

TWO high flyers have had a lucky escape after their aeroplane lost a wheel after take off at Avalon East.

The light aircraft flew out from the Avalon East airport about 1pm.

Onlookers saw a wheel fall off and alerted emergency services and the control tower.

The pilot and his passenger flew laps around the area for 75 minutes to burn of excess fuel before attempting a successful emergency landing.

Police, fire crews, ambulance and air ambulance assembled at the site off Poustie’s Rd.

The drama unfolded as the Australian International Airshow continued nearby.

Show media director Tom Bennett said the Avalon East airfield was a temporary strip opened during the air show while other runways are in use.

Mr Bennett said the people involved were not air show participants.

Rural Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the two occupants were uninjured.