Pilot killed after crashing top dressing plane

Police in Opotiki have located a crashed top dressing plane reported overdue from a run at 1.40 yesterday afternoon.

It is evident that the pilot was killed in the crash.

The cause of the crash is not known at this time and witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from over a ridge in the direction the plane was last seen heading.

The crash site, 4km south of Opotiki near the end of Matchett Road, has been secured by police.

The Civil Aviation Authority and Transport Accident Investigation have been informed and will be investigating.

No further details will be able to be released until next of kin enquiries and notifications have been made.