Eight sky divers leapt out of a light plane minutes before it crashed and killed experienced pilot Paul Smith.

Subscribe today for the news that matters

Login or signup to continue reading LIMITED TIME OFFER All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other regional websites in your area Continue

The light plane crash landed in thick bush near to Moruya Airport on NSW's South Coast on Saturday afternoon with Mr Smith the only remaining occupant of the aircraft.

The 54-year-old pilot and skydiving instructor died at the scene.

"He was a very well-respected, very experienced, and very well-liked local resident," Detective Inspector Justin Marks told reporters on Sunday.

"The death or sudden death of any

See Full Page