Plane crash closes Canberra's airport

[Buzz Killington]

A plane crash briefly closed Canberra International Airport's two runways this morning, with the pilot of a single engine aircraft escaping unscathed.

The accident occurred as the plane was landing about 10.30am, and airport operations were shut down for about 10 or 15 minutes while the craft was removed.

Airport managing director Stephen Byron said it appeared the nose of the plane tipped forward while landing and struck the tarmac.

"The pilot was fine, but the plane had to be towed off, so there was a small delay,'' he said.

"In fact it was at the junction of the two runways, so it momentarily closed the main runway as well, both runways.''

The pilot, who was assessed at the scene, was the sole passenger.