Man killed and another fighting for life after horror light plane crash

A man has died and another is fighting for his life after a recreational plane crashed after taking off on the NSW north coast.

Emergency services were called to Palmers Island, west of Yamba, about 11.20am Sunday after reports a plane had crashed.

The pilot died at the scene, and while they are yet to be formerly identified is believed to have been a man aged in his 60s.

Another occupant, a man believed to be aged in his 30s, was also rushed to Gold Coast Hospital with serious injuries.

In a statement, police said they remained at the scene and that a crime scene had been established at the crash site.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, with the public urged to avoid the area.