The bodies of two men have been recovered from the wreckage of a light plane crash in NSW.

Emergency services including water police, the Westpac Rescue helicopter and other marine-based crews responded to the crash.

It has been confirmed the plane took off from a private airfield in Coffs Harbour about 3.30pm yesterday, with two men on board.

The pilot and passenger of the aircraft died at the scene and are yet to be formally identified.

One body was recovered from the plane yesterday and a second body was located today.

Police said an inquiry is now under way into the cause of the crash.

An operation to recover the aircraft wreckage from Scotts Head Beach is ongoing today.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District and Marine Area Command, along with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), are assisting in the investigation.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.