toppled over during an exercise yesterday.

The engine -- one of three Crash Fire Rescue vehicles at the airport -- keeled over as it was cornering during training on the airfield. Airport bosses said damage was limited to a few scrapes and dents and nobody was hurt.

But Thomas Dunstan, acting manager of air operations, said tests and inspections would mean the engine would be out of service for weeks. Cover will be provided by the nearby Clearwater Fire station and Mr. Dunstan said the airport's emergency fire teams could still respond to any incidents.

He added: "The engine was doing some routine practice when it toppled over on its side at around 9.30 a.m.

"We launched an investigation to find out exactly what happened and to see if there was a problem with the vehicle or not. It was on the airfield but quite a distance from the runway on the old US Navy weapons peninsula.

"We know that the engine was cornering but it was not travelling at high speed and only the driver was on board.

"He was not injured and the vehicle has simply suffered some scrapes and dents. It may just have been a case of the engine cornering too sharply.'' But Mr. Dunstan said the engine's US-based manufacturers were flying in and the vehicle would be left on its side until an inspection could take place.

"It will take a while to get the vehicle upright and then we will need to do a series of tests and checks,'' he added.

"It will be a couple of months before it is back in service. Clearwater Fire Station and the airport fire department have already talked about the possibility of providing extra cover. They are aware that we need extra help.

And the airport's operational capability to respond to emergencies has not been affected. There is no safety implication.''