A pilot has died in a plane crash in County Waterford.

The collision involving a light aircraft happened near Waterford Airport this afternoon, after the plane tried to make an emergency landing.

Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent Ralph Riegel said the plane has also been significantly damaged.

"It's twin engine type aircraft, it had a high wing mounting and it appears to have gone nose first into the field," he said.

"Substantial damage from images we've seen of the crash site; substantial damage done to the front of the aircraft and the fusillage appears to have broken."

 Following the crash, the R685 was closed with diversions in place.

Main image: Gardaí on patrol. Picture by: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie