Missing plane wreckage found off NSW coast

Wreckage believed to be from a light plane missing since March off the NSW north coast has been located by a Navy minesweeper.

A large-scale search was launched when the Cessna, piloted by a 46-year-old man, failed to return after taking off from Lismore on March 21.

Radar tapes revealed the plane was last spotted about 10km northeast of Byron Bay but a search by NSW Water Police and divers failed to locate any trace of the aircraft.

The Royal Australian Navy was asked to help and on Thursday a minesweeper located three large pieces of wreckage in about 73 metres of water.

The Navy said they did not locate the man's body and do not anticipate salvaging the wreckage.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances.

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