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Fatal NSW plane crash scene 'horrific'

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Two men killed in a light place crash were conducting aerial inspections for Essential Energy .
Camera IconTwo men killed in a light place crash were conducting aerial inspections for Essential Energy . Credit: AAP

Two men killed in a light plane crash northeast of Canberra were contracted to perform aerial inspections of an electrical network.

The pair's employer has promised to leave "no stone unturned" in its quest for answers on the crash.

The Cessna 172 fixed-wing aircraft crashed into a farming paddock in Sutton near the ACT border about 4.30pm on Tuesday.

The plane had taken off from Canberra Airport with a 31-year-old pilot from rural Victoria and an 18-year-old passenger from Albury on board.

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The contractor, Oberon Aviation Services, said it was devastated by the crash and would support the families of its crew members however possible.

"This is a very difficult time for us - we're a small aviation business company, and family, and have lost two of our members," the company said in a statement.

"We can't speculate on what might have caused this tragic accident while formal investigations are underway.

"However, our families and staff can be assured that we will leave 'no stone unturned' in finding the cause of this accident."

A crime scene has been established and the area has been cleared for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to gather evidence.

In a statement on Wednesday, Essential Energy said the company's "thoughts remain with the families, friends and colleagues of the two people who died".

NSW Police Superintendent Paul Condon told reporters the incident was distressing for all involved.

"I've been to a number of plane crashes over my years of service and they're all horrific scenes," Supt Condon said.

"As you would expect, it's always a shock to (family) ... these things are just like car accidents, they happen suddenly and it not only affects the people and victims but families and the emergency services who attend."

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