A small aircraft ended up with its tail sticking up in the air this afternoon after its nose gear collapsed on landing.

The aircraft, which belongs to a flying school, was returning froma  training session. A source said the accident happened due to an attempted crosswind landing.  

The pilot, who was alone in the aircraft - a Tecnam P2002 - was unhurt, a spokesperson for the Malta International Airport told this newsroom.

“A light aircraft type TECNAM T2002 with registration 9HSEP was involved in a minor accident today at 14:49. The incident led to the aircraft’s nosegear collapsing upon landing on Runway 23-05. The pilot was the only person on board and no injuries were reported. The relevant aviation authorities are investigating accordingly,” the spokesperson said. 

Pictures: Jonathan Borg (above) and Karl Cassar Vella, Josef Grima Duca