Pilot restrains erratic passenger mid-air

A pilot has been forced to make an emergency landing in the NSW Central Tablelands after fighting off an erratic passenger mid-air.

A 23-year-old pilot was flying the charter flight, which took off from Bankstown Airport destined for Cowra, on Monday afternoon.

It is understood a confrontation broke out mid-flight, forcing the pilot to restrain his 82-year-old passenger and carry out an emergency landing of the light aircraft in a paddock in Oberon.

The pilot's efforts left the elderly man with head and facial injuries. Neither was injured during the landing, police said.

Police also confirmed the pair were not related.

The elderly man was taken to Sydney's Westmead Hospital while the pilot was taken to Oberon Hospital suffering from shock.