The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation after a Cessna 172 light aircraft crashed at the Coonabarabran airport about 4pm.

The pilot was the only person in the plane at the time and despite the best efforts of witnesses, police and paramedics, he sadly died at the scene.

The 57-year-old man had not been formally identified at the time of publishing.

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said a team of transport safety investigators will leave Brisbane and head to the small rural airport.

"Once on site, investigators will examine the wreckage and site surrounds, and will retrieve any relevant components for further examination at the ATSB's technical facilities in Canberra," he said.

"The ATSB will also analyse any available recorded data, interview witnesses and parties with a knowledge of the flight, and review aircraft maintenance and pilot records."

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Police are working with the bureau and have been told the Cessna had taken off from the same airport earlier on Monday.

The ATSB has called for anyone who may have seen the light plane at any stage of its flight, or who may have any footage, to contact the authority as soon as possible on witness@atsb.gov.au.

Police are also appealing for witnesses and reports can be made to Crime Stoppers or the Coonabarabran station.

A preliminary report is expected within two months and will detail information uncovered during the early evidence collection phase.

A final report will be published at the end of the investigation.

Mr Mitchell said if any critical safety issues are found, the ATSB will notify the relevant people so action can be taken.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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