Pilot dies in Blue Mountains plane crash

An elderly pilot has died in a light aircraft crash in the NSW Blue Mountains.

The 80-year-old man took off from Katoomba about midday on Saturday and a friend contacted authorities when he failed to return by 6pm.

It's believed he was conducting circuits in the area when he crashed about 150 metres south east of the Katoomba Airstrip at Medlow Bath.

The pilot's body was found in the wreckage just before 10am on Sunday and a report will be prepared for the coroner.