The body of a man has been located following a search for a missing plane in Central Otago.
Old Man Range in Central Otago. Photo: Mark Wilson
The Cessna 172 was flying between Bannockburn and Gore when an emergency beacon was activated around 5.30pm on Wednesday.
The aircraft was found about 4am on Old Man Range near Alexandra by search and rescue volunteers.
The pilot occupant was dead at the scene and teams were working to recover the body.
Wakatipu and Central Otago Search and Rescue volunteers and Otago Rescue Helicopter staff carried out the search.
Rescue Coordination Centre search and rescue officer Geoff Lunt said the Queenstown-based helicopter crew identified the area by the distress beacon signal but due to heavy, low cloud could not get close. Ground crews went in with thermal imaging equipment and a portable device to home in on the beacon signal.
Police and the Civil Aviation Authority would investigate the cause of the crash, he said.
Two CAA accident investigators are expected to reach the crash site this afternoon.
A spokesperson said it was too early to comment on the possible cause of the accident.