A search is underway for a missing light aircraft that failed to arrive at Moruya Airport in New South Wales, with fears it may have crashed in the Snowy Mountains.

The aircraft, flying from Wangaratta in Victoria with one person onboard, was last tracked in Khancoban near the Snowy Mountains.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority was alerted by Air Services Australia about the overdue aircraft.

Ground search operations have resumed, facing challenges due to rugged terrain and recent heavy snowfall in the alpine region.

Search efforts were temporarily suspended because of limited visibility caused by weather, with plans to resume if conditions improve.

Multiple agencies, including NSW Police, Ambulance Services from NSW and Victoria, and the Snowy Hydro teams, are conducting a coordinated search.

Aerial support is provided by AMSA’s Challenger jet, a Victorian Ambulance helicopter, and a Toll rescue helicopter from Bankstown.

Weather conditions in Khancoban include temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius, with more snow showers expected and temperatures potentially dropping to near freezing.

Search operations will continue until sunset and restart at dawn, with efforts hampered by rugged terrain and recent heavy snowfalls.

Aerial searches were suspended on Wednesday afternoon due to poor visibility, but ground teams continue their efforts.

The search remains urgent as authorities race against time to locate the missing aircraft in the snowy, remote mountains of New South Wales.

Authorities believe the crash may have occurred within 500 meters of Dargals Trail, a remote area in Kosciuszko National Park.