Searchers have located a downed light plane near Mt Nicholson in the Southern Alps after it went missing this morning, the Rescue Coordination Centre says.
The Southern Alps (file image). Photo: Unsplash / Adana Hulett
The plane was located by a Christchurch based rescue helicopter this afternoon.
The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) had launched a search for the missing aircraft - which took off from Franz Josef about 9am this morning bound for Rangiora - after it was reported overdue by Air Traffic Control at 11am this morning.
One person was onboard, the RCCNZ said.
Due to inclement weather, it was currently too dangerous to access the area. Mt Nicholson is located in the Froude Range area of the Southern Alps.
RCCNZ is currently coordinating with partner agencies on next steps for the response.