Pilot dies in Queensland plane crash

A Christmas party has ended in tragedy after a plane crash killed a pilot hired by a skydiving company in southeast Queensland.

The Cessna's undercarriage clipped power lines and crashed at Burrum Heads, just north of Hervey Bay, about 10am (local time) today.

The plane was engulfed in flames on impact and the 59-year-old pilot, from Gympie, died at the scene.

He was the only person on board.

The crash also sparked hundreds of power outages in the area.

Police Inspector Troy Pukallus says a skydiving company hired the plane for a Christmas party at the Flame Lily Adventures park across the road.

"The aircraft was landing in the nearby airfield to assist with activities for Christmas celebrations at the adventure park here," he told ABC.

"There were children and adults here at the time."

An adventure park staff member, who did not want to be identified, said the tragedy had ended what began as a good day.

"All I can say about the pilot is he was very experienced, he was a really nice chap and we're all going to miss him terribly," she told AAP.

An Ergon Energy spokesman said the plane knocked out four electricity transmission lines, cutting power to 1600 homes and businesses.

"Initial reports said there was actually contact with the pole," he told AAP.

"We haven't confirmed that with our crews yet."

The Department of Community Safety said three fire crews put out the fire.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau will investigate the crash.

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