Light plane crashes into water off Tasman Peninsula, 2 missing

A light plane went down in waters south of Port Arthur in south-eastern Tasmania. Photo: ABC News

Two people are missing after a light plane crashed in waters off Tasmania's south-east, reports ABC News.

The Cessna 172, which is owned by Airlines of Tasmania, was filming yachts in the Sydney to Hobart race near the Tasman Peninsula.

The crash was reported about 6:15pm (AEDT) on Monday south of Port Arthur.

A search and rescue operation was called off at nightfall.

The managing director of Airlines of Tasmania, Shannon Wells, said there were two people on board the plane when it ditched.

"This aircraft was VH-PFT, a Cessna 172 which was conducting aerial photography of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race," he said.

"In addition to the pilot, there was one passenger on board.

"At this time our thoughts are with the families of the persons on board."

Lee Kauskoph from the Tasmanian Ambulance Service said two helicopters had searched an area near Storm Bay for the plane.

"At this point all we know is a light aircraft with possible two people on board has gone down in the Port Arthur Storm Bay area," he said.

Sydney to Hobart organisers said some yachts had also helped search for the missing aircraft.

Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club, John Cameron, said several yachts had been close to where the crash happened.

"We know of several yachts that were in the vicinity that may have diverted to render assistance," he said.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is coordinating the search, which will resume at first light.