A light plane that had been reported missing in the Southern Alps has now been located downed near Mt Nicholson, although it is too dangerous for search crews to access the area.
The plane went missing after leaving Franz Josef around 9am Thursday morning. It was en route to Rangiora, but was reported overdue.
The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) have confirmed that one person was on-board.
Air traffic control notified RCCNZ its assistance may be required at 11am, and search efforts had been hampered by the weather.
It is now too dangerous for crews to access the area the plane was located due to the ongoing "inclement weather".
The plane was found by a Christchurch-based rescue helicopter.
RCCNZ said they are "currently coordinating with partner agencies on next steps for the response".
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