Police were called to a property in Windella, about 50 kilometres from Newcastle, after 10:15am following reports a plane had crashed in a backyard.
The man, who is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be 44 years old, was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft.
Officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District have established a crime scene.
The wreckage was located close to the Royal Newcastle Aero Club.
Police said they believed the plane suffered engine issues 15 minutes after take-off and the pilot had tried to return to the airbase but crashed en route.
Royal Newcastle Aero Club vice-president Trevor Bright said attempts were made to contact the pilot when smoke was spotted trailing from the aircraft.
“A radio call was given to the pilot to share that information with him and from that point, he attempted to land,” he said.
“Our thoughts go to the family and friends of this pilot … the events that unfolded were tragic,” he said.
Chief Inspector Rob Post from Maitland Police said the pilot was “very experienced”.
Witnesses rushed to the crash scene, removing the pilot and performing CPR until paramedics arrived, but the man could not be revived.
NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager Shane Harris said the ultralight plane came close to crashing into nearby homes.
“From what I understand, it’s a homemade-style ultralight,” Mr Harris said
Police said they believed the plane suffered engine issues 15 minutes after take-off and the pilot had tried to return to the airbase but crashed en route.
Royal Newcastle Aero Club vice-president Trevor Bright said attempts were made to contact the pilot when smoke was spotted trailing from the aircraft.
“A radio call was given to the pilot to share that information with him and from that point, he attempted to land,” he said.
“Our thoughts go to the family and friends of this pilot … the events that unfolded were tragic,” he said.
Chief Inspector Rob Post from Maitland Police said the pilot was “very experienced”.
Police said they believed the plane suffered engine issues 15 minutes after take-off and the pilot had tried to return to the airbase but crashed en route.
Royal Newcastle Aero Club vice-president Trevor Bright said attempts were made to contact the pilot when smoke was spotted trailing from the aircraft.
“A radio call was given to the pilot to share that information with him and from that point, he attempted to land,” he said.
“Our thoughts go to the family and friends of this pilot … the events that unfolded were tragic,” he said.
Chief Inspector Rob Post from Maitland Police said the pilot was “very experienced”.
Witnesses rushed to the crash scene, removing the pilot and performing CPR until paramedics arrived, but the man could not be revived.
NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager Shane Harris said the ultralight plane came close to crashing into nearby homes.
“From what I understand, it’s a homemade-style ultralight,” Mr Harris said
Witnesses rushed to the crash scene, removing the pilot and performing CPR until paramedics arrived, but the man could not be revived.
NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager Shane Harris said the ultralight plane came close to crashing into nearby homes.
“From what I understand, it’s a homemade-style ultralight,” Mr Harris said