Pilot dies in light plane crash in Australia

SYDNEY - A pilot has died in a light plane crash in Broome in Western Australia's Kimberley region, local media reported on Thursday.

The twin-engine Piper Seneca freight plane crashed in sand dunes about two kilometers south of Cable Beach after taking off from Broome airport at about 8:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, killing a 27-year-old male pilot who was the only person on board, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

A sea search involving an aircraft and seven boats was carried out by police.

Four hours later, a marine rescue volunteer found the plane in sand dunes, near the airport in Broome.

The plane was on a regular freight flight bound for Port Hedland.

A spokesman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ASTB) says an investigation is now being launched.

"Police have secured the site, [and] we're currently sending three investigators from our ASTB," he told ABC.

The team of three investigators will arrive in Broome later on Thursday to commence an investigation, he said.