Bodies of pilot and passenger recovered after light plane crash off NSW north coast

Two bodies have been recovered after a small plane crashed off the NSW North Coast.

Pictured is the cockpit of the crashed microlight aircraft, tied to a red flotation buoy. Picture: Supplied

The bodies of two men aged in their 60s have been recovered after a small plane crashed off the NSW North Coast.

It is the second fatal aircraft crash in the state’s north in the last week.

A light aircraft was seen plunging into the ocean about 1km east of Gumma near Nambucca Heads on Saturday afternoon, about 4pm.

Mid North Coast police and marine officers attended the scene to discover one body, before locating a second body on Sunday.

Photos of the scene of the police operation to recover the aircraft. Picture: Supplied

“The pilot and passenger died at the scene, with the body of a man recovered from the plane yesterday; a second body was recovered a short time ago. They are yet to be formally identified,” NSW Police said in a statement on Sunday morning.

The right wing that was spotted around 2 nautical miles to the north east of the beach. Picture: Supplied

The undercarriage wheels are still attached to the cockpit. Picture: Supplied

The pilot, Mark White, 67, was an experienced pilot and instructor at local flying school Midcoast Microlights. Mr White and 69 year-old passenger were believed to be training at the time.

The aircraft left a private airfield at Coffs Harbour about 3.30pm yesterday with two men on board, NSW Police confirmed.

Emergency services battled dangerous conditions in their attempts to recover the small Sting aircraft from Scotts Head Beach on Sunday.

Police Inspector Stuart Campbell said “we’re struggling with the tides and movement of the debris”.

Mark White, Chief Flying Instructor and Instructor Trainer for Midcoast Microlights. Picture: https://midcoastmicrolights.com.au/

“Small parts of debris have been washed up on the beach.”

Hazardous materials crews were on site on Saturday to clean up a fibrous material that ended up on the shore following the crash.

On December 29, emergency services responded to reports a recreational aircraft crash on Palmers Island – about 8km west of Yamba. The pilot, in his 60s, died at the scene, while his passenger suffered serious injuries.

Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.