Arnold Schwarzenegger (Photo Homero Tercero, WENN.COM)

A plane carrying actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger was forced to make an emergency landing on Friday evening after the cockpit filled with smoke.

The California Governor was just 10 minutes into his journey from Santa Monica, California when the pilot reported smoke in the jet's control area.

The pilot quickly diverted to the nearby Van Nuys airport and landed safely.

Schwarzenegger's spokesman Aaron McLear says, "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. 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."