LOS ANGELES - A PLANE carrying California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was forced to make a sudden landing on Friday after the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit, officials said.

Mr Schwarzenegger's spokesman Aaron McLear said the jet carrying the Hollywood action hero-turned-politician was forced to land approximately 10 minutes after taking off from Santa Monica Airport west of Los Angeles.

The plane made a safe landing at nearby Van Nuys Airport at 6.23pm (0923 Singapore time), Mr McLear said.

'The Governor's jet was diverted from Santa Monica airport to Van Nuys airport this evening after the pilot reported smoke emanating from the instrument panel in the cockpit,' Mr McLear said. 'There was no visible fire.'

'Upon landing the Governor exited the jet and travelled to his house. The ... crew did an outstanding job and everyone aboard landed safely and unharmed.' -- AFP