Bad seas hamper plane crash search

Rough sea is hampering the search mission in waters off the NSW far south coast for a man feared dead after a light plane crash.

The plane crashed into the ocean off Barlings Beach, south of Batemans Bay after leaving Moruya airport before midday on Sunday, police say.

A man in his 60s, believed to be Graham White from Wagga Wagga, died after being pulled from the water.

Mr White was an experienced pilot with 19,000 hours of flying experience as well as being a flying instructor at Moruya Aero Club.

Another man about the same age is still missing.

But a duty office from Moruya told AAP at midday on Monday neither the wreckage nor the man has been located.

Divers from Sydney arrived in the area on Sunday night to help search waters about 1km off the headland at Tomakin.

Buoys have been place in the water around the wreckage site.

"Because of the wind the search is taking longer than expected," said Far South Coast Local Area Command crime manager Kevin McNeil .

Witnesses say the aircraft was seen crashing into the water soon after 12.15pm, reportedly about 45 minutes after take-off.

There are reports that a piece of the plane may have fallen off.