Possible crash site located in search for missing pilot in northern NSW

Search crews have identified a possible crash site in the search for a missing pilot and his plane in far north-eastern New South Wales.

Ian Sinnott, 72, was last seen taking off from Murwillumbah Airport about 10am yesterday in an ultralight aircraft.

Emergency services were alerted about 45 minutes later when a member of the public spotted the plane in trouble near Limpinwood.

Mr Sinnott was the only person on board.

When the plane did not reach its destination, a large land and air search was launched, covering bushland between Tyalgum and Chilligham.

The search resumed this morning and by the afternoon, crews had made it to a possible crash site.

"We've identified an area in the bush where some trees have been damaged," Chief Inspector Luke Arthurs told reporters.

"We can't confirm whether or not that was from the plane but we're searching that area as we speak.”

Insp Arthurs said muddy terrain was hampering rescue crews but they'd continue searching until nightfall.

Mr Sinnott's wife was devastated and assisting with the search, he added.

"She's actually with some residents in the back of a 4WD and they're just having a look at some of the properties out back."

The green plane may be camouflaged in the rugged bushland, making the search more difficult, an Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesman earlier said.

The search zone had been refined to an area of about 185 square kilometres.

Friends and family of Mr Sinnott have described him as a "great aviator" with at least three decades' flying experience.