Pilot found dead with wreckage of missing plane near Murwillumbah

Police have confirmed the 72-year-old pilot of a plane that went missing in northern New South Wales has been found dead at the crash site.

The body of Ian Sinnott, from Currumbin, was found by rescue crews at the site of the crash in bushland 25km west of Murwillumbah on a property on Boormans Road in Limpinwood.

Mr Sinnott was reported missing about 10am yesterday after the ultralight aircraft failed to return to Murwillumbah Airport.

Emergency services were told about 45 minutes later when a member of the public spotted a plane in trouble near Limpinwood.

The witness reported seeing a “wing fall off” the green-coloured plane.

Mr Sinnott was the only person on board.

A large-scale search involving eight helicopters, police, PolAir, trail bikes and SES volunteers was launched yesterday.

NSW Police said Mr Sinnott’s family has been informed.

The cause of the crash will be investigated.

“AMSA and NSW Police wish to thank all those involved in this difficult search operation and extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the pilot,” NSW Police said in a statement.

A friend earlier described Mr Sinnott as a “great aviator” with at least three decades’ flying experience.

This is a breaking news story. More information will be added as it comes to hand.