Police are now able to confirm the identity of the pilot as 56-year-old, Peter William Robb.

Whanganui Police Senior Sergeant Paul Baskett says 'Police are continuing to support Mr Robb's family through this very difficult time.”

'Later today we will hand the site over to the Civil Aviation Authority to begin their scene examination.”

We will also be providing them with the information we have collected from our initial enquiries as they begin the investigation to determine the cause of the crash said Mr Baskett

Police have also now referred this incident to the coroner.

The road will remain closed and the area cordoned until the site is able to be cleared some time tomorrow.

Source: New Zealand Police.