Pilot killed at Seaview

A Leongatha pilot died at the scene of a light plane crash in Seaview on Thursday morning.

The 60-year-old pilot was undertaking aerial fertilising when his aircraft failed shortly after take-off from a Grand Ridge Rd property.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators were at the scene for three days last week.

Warragul Police senior sergeant Peter Watson said it appeared when the plane took off it didn't gain enough height, clipped some trees and "came to grief."

He said the cause of the fatal collision was being investigated by the ATSB.

Sen sgt Watson said the plane took off from a paddock on private property where there was a designated airstrip. He said it was a clear runway but it was in very steep terrain.

He said the pilot was flying his own plane.

Sen sgt Watson said two people at the property ran to the collision site to offer assistance and pulled the pilot, the sole occupant from the plane but the man had already died.

Police, ambulance, CFA and SES assisted at the scene.

Sen sgt Watson said there was a concern about fire risk because of the fuel and fertiliser on board the aircraft.

The ATSB is investigating the collision. The aircraft, a Piper PA-25-235/A9 aircraft registered VH-SEH, was destroyed in the crash.

The ATSB report said the aircraft collided with terrain during agricultural spraying operations.

"The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include examination of the accident site and wreckage by ATSB investigators, and the collection of other relevant evidence, including recorded data, weather information, witness reports, aircraft operator procedures and maintenance records.

"A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken," the ATSB said.