A pilot has died in a light plane crash at Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury.
Lake Ellesmere Photo: Robin Smith/DOC
Emergency services are at the site of the crash of a Cessna 172 plane from the Canterbury Aero Club with a solo pilot onboard.
Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Co-ordination Centre picked up an emergency locator transmission about 10.20pm yesterday. It dispatched the Christchurch rescue helicopter and ground searchers found the crash site about an hour later.
Police said the sole occupant of the plane was found deceased.
Maritime NZ said the solo pilot was undertaking a flight required for night flying rating.
The death will be referred to the coroner and the Civil Aviation Authority will investigate.