Two Men Killed in Light Plane Crash near Scone

Two men have died in a light plane crash in a paddock near Scone in the New South Wales Upper Hunter.

Emergency crews were called to the scene on Bunnan Road, near Scone Memorial Airport, at about 1:55pm on Friday.

NSW Ambulance found the two men in the cockpit with fatal injuries. The men, who have not been identified, are believed to have travelled from Western Australia to purchase the home-built plane and were conducting its maiden flight home when it crashed.

A crime scene has been set up and will be examined by specialist officers. NSW Police Inspector Todd Hobson said the cause of the crash was not yet known.

"We're at the early stage of the investigation, so all things are being considered," he said.

"Whether it be weather, pilot error, mechanical error … all things are under consideration at this stage."

The Western Australia Police Force has been notified, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has confirmed the plane was a "kit-built aircraft" on the recreational register.

Upper Hunter Mayor Pat Ryan said the community was still coming to terms with the incident.

"What has to be at the forefront of people's minds is to consider the impact on the families and obviously the first responders," he said.

"People are shocked and just can't really believe what actually occurred."

Police said the scene would be secured for several hours while they worked to formally identify the two men. A report will be prepared for the coroner.