A man and a woman have been flown to hospital after a light aircraft crashed in Raglan harbour this afternoon.

The Hamilton-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to Raglan airfield about 3pm today.

Photo by: Westpac Rescue Helicopter Crewman Bill McNeilly.

Two people, a man and a woman, were transported to Waikato Hospital. A rescue helicopter pilot says the woman was in serious condition.

The helicopter was called due to the serious nature of the incident and the necessity for rapid transport to the hospital.

Helicopter pilot spokesperson says credit goes to all members of the local rescue services involved in this event, but particularly the Raglan Coast Guard for their incredible initial response.

'All three occupants of the aircraft were rescued from the water within minutes.”

Earlier report:

A Piper Cherokee plane crashed into the water about 100 metres off Raglan Beach just after 1.30pm.

It appears the plane's engine cut out just after take-off and the pilot was attempting to make it back to the airstrip. Two men and a woman were on board.

The men are status 3/4 and have been taken to Waikato Hospital by St John Ambulance. The woman is status 1 and has been taken to hospital by rescue helicopter. The plane has submerged.

Raglan Beach is believed to be full of holiday makers so a rescue helicopter spokesperson says it was fortunate the plane avoided the high density area.