A small plane missing since yesterday in the Coromandel Peninsula has been found and police have confirmed a person has died in the crash.
The plane took off from Whitianga Airport early yesterday morning and failed to arrive at Ardmore Airport, near Manurewa.
Police said this afternoon the sole occupant of the plane has been found dead, after search crews located the plane at about 10am today near Kakatarahae.
The plane - a two seater Vans RV-12 - was reported overdue at 4.25pm yesterday.
Police said the death would be referred to the coroner and the Civil Aviation Authority would investigate.