Mangalore:
A 21-year-old Chinese trainee pilot had a lucky escape in Australia on Monday, after safely landing a small plane which lost a wheel mid-air.
Local media reported that the aircraft had taken off from Mangalore airport, about two hours' drive north of the city of Melbourne, early on Monday when the drama unfolded.
Airport officials said the pilot, who was the only person onboard the plane, circled the airport for almost four hours to burn up fuel.
The aircraft landed safely before skidding and spinning on dirt and grass off the runway.
The pilot was assessed by paramedics but did not require treatment, according to local media.
He is reportedly a trainee with China Southern Airlines and has 120 hours flying experience.