Search underway for missing NSW plane

Authorities are searching for an ultralight plane last seen experiencing difficulties in NSW's northeast.

The plane took off from Murwillumbah Airport about 10am on Tuesday with only the 72-year-old male pilot on board.

Police say emergency services were alerted shortly after 10.45am when a member of the public spotted the aircraft in trouble near Limpinwood.

The plane did not reach its destination and a large land and air search was launched in an area of bushland between Tyalgum and Chilligham.

The ground search was called off about 6pm and will resume at first light on Wednesday.

A police presence will remain in the area on Tuesday evening, while two helicopters will continue searching overnight.

Australian Search & Rescue (AusSAR) in Canberra has been notified and are co-ordinating the search, police said.