Emergency services are responding to an aircraft crash northeast of Nelson after a light plane was reported overdue this morning.
Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre said the overdue light aircraft took off from Nelson at 9.10am today.
Nelson Area Commander Steven Collins said police were notified of the overdue aircraft just before midday and were on standby while Maritime NZ coordinated the search.
He said emergency services were responding to an aircraft crash south of Castor Peak, on the boundary between Nelson and Marlborough regions.
"At this time, no further information is available. An update will be provided as soon as we are able," Collins said.
In a statement posted to social media this afternoon, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said the city was "anxiously hoping and praying for the occupants of the aircraft gone missing north east of the city".
"We wish the emergency services every success in both finding and rescuing those on the private aircraft," he said.
"The Cessna that can take four people took off from Nelson Airport at 9:10am got to an altitude of 3100ft but suddenly dropped to 1800ft when it was lost off radar near the Byrant Range 35 km north east of Nelson.
"The Rescue Coordination Centre in Wellington is leading the response alongside Nelson emergency services."
A range of partner agencies are supporting the response.
There is no information on how many people were on board, whether anyone has been injured or the circumstances or cause of the crash.
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