Missing NSW pilot found dead at crash site

A NSW pilot has been found dead in the wreckage of his ultralight aircraft on the state's far north coast after his plane went missing two days ago.

Search crews on horseback found the plane on a private property in Limpinwood about 9am on Thursday, NSW Police say.

The crash site is about 25km from Murwillumbah Airport, where 72-year-old pilot Ian Sinnott took off on Tuesday morning.

An operation is underway to retrieve Mr Sinnott's body and his family has been informed.

Authorities had been scouring dense bushland in the area since Tuesday when a member of the public raised the alarm about a plane in trouble near Limpinwood.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) co-ordinated rescue included eight helicopters, police officers on trail bikes and SES crews on foot and horseback.

Mr Sinnott's devastated wife was also helping with the search.

"AMSA and NSW Police wish to thank all those involved in this difficult search operation and extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the pilot," NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, police said.