Morgan Freeman in plane emergency landing after take-off scare

'Sometimes things don't go as planned'

Morgan Freeman was on his way to shoot The Story of God, a TV series about religion (Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

A private plane carrying Morgan Freeman was forced to make an emergency landing, but the star and his pilot were unhurt.

The Oscar winning actor, 78, was the only passenger on the flight when one of the plane's tires blew out while it was taking off, causing "significant hydraulic problems".

The plane was cleared for an emergency landing 36 miles from take off in Tunica, Mississippi.

Bill Lunckett, mayor of Clarksdale, Mississippi, told ABC News the actor's plane had to burn off fuel before attempting to land.

"Sometimes things don't go as planned and a tire blew on take-off which caused other problems," said Mr Freeman. "But thanks to my excellent pilot Jimmy hobson we landed safely without a scratch.

"I cannot say the same about my plane. I appreciate the concern and prayers for our safety."

He was on his way to shoot The Story of God, a National Geographic TV series about religion.