The Pilatus Porter plane was returning from a skydiving run in Moruya, 305 kilometres south of Sydney, when it crashed close to Moruya Airport in bushland west of George Bass Drive.

Pilot Paul Smith, 54, was the only occupant on board and died in the crash.

In a statement, APF chief executive Stephen Porter said his thoughts were with the friends and family of the pilot, as well as the passengers who disembarked from the plane before the crash.

“This is incredibly distressing and our thoughts and hearts are with everyone at the scene, the pilot’s family and friends, and the entire skydiving community which is in shock,” he said.

“We thank all of the first responders and emergency services.”

He also confirmed the federation was cooperating with authorities, with the Australian Transport Safety Board (ATSB) confirming it is investigating the incident.

“The ATSB is deploying a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra and Brisbane offices, specialising in aircraft operations, maintenance and engineering, to the accident site,” an ATSB statement said.

“Investigators will also seek to interview involved parties and witnesses, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.”

Anyone with video of the aircraft during or immediately after the flight is being urged to contact investigators.