AN investigation is underway after a light plane crashed into the escarpment near Bulli last night.
About 7.45pm on Tuesday, Wollongong police received reports of a loud bang heard between Bulli Tops and Sublime Point.
Police received reports of a missing single-seater aircraft, with a 57-year-old man on board, after it left Wedderburn Airport about the same time.
Fire & Rescue NSW, Police Rescue, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and NSW Ambulance Paramedics commenced a wide-scale search of the area overnight which recommenced at first light this morning in fog and rain.
Shortly after 8am today a police team searching an escarpment near Austinmer found the wreckage of a plane with the body of a man, believed to be the 57-year-old pilot, inside.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash and a recovery operation is underway. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.