Paul Smith was killed after his light plane crashed into bushland near Moruya on the NSW South Coast Photo: HANDOUT/NSW POLICE

Eight sky divers leapt out of a light plane minutes before it crashed and killed experienced pilot Paul Smith.

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The light plane crash landed in thick bush near to Moruya Airport on NSW's South Coast on Saturday afternoon with Mr Smith the only remaining occupant of the aircraft.

The 54-year-old pilot and skydiving instructor died at the scene.

"He was a very well-respected, very experienced, and very well-liked local resident," Detective Inspector Justin Ma

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