Two dead in plane crash near Nelson

Two people have died in a plane crash near Nelson.

The plane left the city at about 9.10 am on Tuesday morning and was reported overdue just before midday.

Two rescue helicopters had been searching at the plane's last-known location north-east of Nelson.

On Tuesday evening Nelson Area Commander Steven Collins said the plane was found in the remote search area, south of Castor Peak.

"Work is ongoing to recover the deceased and to examine the crash scene, which will be done in conjunction with investigators from Civil Aviation Authority."

Flight tracking data on the website FlightRadar24 showed a Cessna Skyhawk taking off from Nelson Airport at 9.10 am and flying into the hills near Whangamoa before its tracking data stopped.

Earlier, mayor Nick Smith said the Cessna could carry four people.

It "...got to an altitude of 3100ft but suddenly dropped to 1800ft when it was lost off radar near the Bryant Range 35 km northeast of Nelson", he said.

Smith said Nelson was "anxiously hoping and praying" for those on board.

Nelson Aero Club confirmed it was not one of their planes.

-RNZ