Two avoid death in NSW light plane crash

A pilot and his passenger have had a lucky escape after their light plane crashed in northwest NSW.

A 69-year-old man suffered broken ribs and cuts to his head and was airlifted to Tamworth Hospital, while his 32-year-old passenger was taken to Narrabri Hospital with a small leg injury.

Both men remain in hospital in a stable conditions.

Police were told the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in scrubland about 40km south of Narrabri, on the NSW North West Slopes, about 4.30pm on Thursday (AEST) after suspected engine failure.