Pilot dies in NSW light plane crash

A pilot has died after crashing his plane in the NSW Central West.

Emergency services responded to a call from Coonabarabran Airport just before 4pm on Monday, after reports a small plane had crashed.

A member of the public went to the aid of the pilot and sole occupant, pulling him from the cockpit and performing CPR until police and paramedics arrived.

The 57-year-old died at the scene and he is yet to be formally identified.

Police have been told the Cessna 172 light aircraft had taken off from the same airport earlier on Monday.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced an investigation into the crash, with staff from its Brisbane office being deployed to the site.