A pilot has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after his light plane crashed in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Emergency services were called to a paddock in Berrima shortly before 8am Thursday, following reports a recreational Hornet STOL aircraft had crashed.

The male pilot, 58, was found inside the wreckage.

‘The sole occupant was trapped for some time before being freed,’ a police statement read.

 ‘Aviation authorities have been notified, and investigations are ongoing.’

The man was treated for hip and leg injuries before he was airlifted to Liverpool Hospital, where he is now fighting for life.

Photos of the scene showed multiple emergency crews and vehicles surrounding the badly damaged small aircraft.

They included five Fire and Rescue NSW crews, which isolated a minor fuel leak at the site.

A pilot is fighting for life after a light plane crashed in the NSW Southern Highlands

Police said that the pilot was trapped in the wreckage ‘for some time’

Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service units were also deployed.

‘Lucky to be able to survive landing in amongst those trees,’ one woman commented online.

Another added: ‘Wishing the pilot a comfortable and swift recovery.’

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it had notified, adding that it only investigate recreational plane crashes in exceptional circumstances.