Pilot killed in light plane crash in WA’s Wheatbelt

A pilot has died after a light plane crashed in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.

Emergency services were called to reports of a light aircraft crash at Malabaine, near Northam, about 10.50am on Wednesday.

Emergency crews arrived to find the pilot, a 76-year-old man, had died at the scene.

He was the sole occupant of the amateur-built replica Spitfire aircraft.

Originally a World War II fighter plane, the single-seat aircraft is a common choice for amateur aircraft builders.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined, and authorities have not yet released the pilot’s identity.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are continuing. A report will be prepared for the coroner.