Skydivers, pilot escape plane crash in New Zealand

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A skydiving plane went down over New Zealand's Lake Taupo on Tuesday.

All 13 aboard, including the pilot, were able to escape by parachute.

The plane, registered to Skydive Taupo, "encountered an engine problem shortly after take-off," the company's chief executive, Roy Clements, said in a statement.

"All parachutes including the pilot exited the plane and landed safely."

One person sustained scratches after landing in a blackberry bush.

"Everyone is okay, that's the main thing," said Taupo Mayor David Trewavas, adding they were "a bit shaken."

An investigation into the crash is underway.