One dead after plane crashes in NSW

One person has died after an aircraft travelling from Wollongong to Bathurst, in NSW's Central West, crashed just before midday.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it detected a distress beacon registered to a light plane in the Kanangra National Park at Oberon, and sent a rescue helicopter from Bankstown.

The crew spotted the crash site, and a paramedic was winched down to the site.

The pilot of the plane, a man believed to be in his 70s, and sole occupant of the aircraft, was found dead.

The AMSA said fires in the area made search conditions difficult.

"A crime scene has been established by officers from Chifley Police District and POLAIR and Police Rescue officers will retrieve the body," police said in a statement.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Recreational Aviation Australia will investigate the accident.