Miracle escape as plane flips on landing

A pilot and his passenger have miraculously escaped serious injury after their ditched aircraft flipped over upon impact shortly after take off in Australia.

A 55-year-old pilot and his 64-year-old passenger took off from the Heck Airfield at Norwell, just north of the Gold Coast, about 3.30pm (AEST) on Sunday.

The plane was approximately 17m off the ground when the pilot identified a significant mechanical malfunction and put the plane down in reeds next to the airfield.

A police spokeswoman said due to the low height the plane was unable to glide in and the nose of the plane dug in causing the plane to flip end over end.

"The duo were able to walk from the plane suffering only soreness, cuts and abrasions," she said.

The men attended the Gold Coast Hospital for treatment.

The Recreation Aircraft Association is investigating the incident

- AAP