Air Frontier Beechcraft Baron crashes in Gulf of Carpentaria; search underway

Air Frontier has confirmed one of its Beechcraft Baron aircraft crashed while undertaking a non-commercial flight today.

NT Police is continuing "a search operation following reports of a small aircraft crash" in Angurugu waters, but says no wreckage or people have been found yet.

Air Frontier has grounded its Beechcraft Baron fleet, and police are working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to confirm what caused the crash.

Police investigating a plane crash in the Gulf of Carpentaria have confirmed "no aircraft wreckage or persons have been located" yet, despite hours-long search efforts.

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, NT Police said they were continuing "a search operation following reports of a small aircraft crash" in Angurugu waters, off the coast of Groote Eylandt.

Police said around 11:40am today, a witness onboard "a vessel in the area" reported the "aircraft had crashed into the water near Isle Woodah".

This afternoon, charter company Air Frontier released a statement confirming its Beechcraft Baron aircraft "was involved in an accident near Numbulwar" around midday.

"The aircraft was undertaking a non-commercial repositioning flight with no passengers from Gove to Numbulwar, with the pilot believed to be the sole occupant on board," Air Frontier said.

"Air Frontier is deeply saddened by this accident and our thoughts are with our pilot and their family at this incredibly difficult time.

"The family has been contacted, and we are supporting them as this situation unfolds.

"As is standard process, the cause of the accident will be a matter for the investigating authorities, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this time."

Air Frontier said all of its Beechcraft Baron aircraft have been grounded "as a precautionary measure", pending advice from relevant authorities.

Authorities are still "working to confirm the circumstances of the crash and the number of people involved", but NT Police said, "initial information indicates the pilot was the only recorded occupant of the aircraft".

"However, police are continuing to confirm the number of people on board," the statement said.

Search efforts are continuing, but police said: "At this stage, no aircraft wreckage or persons have been located."

"The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified, and police are working closely with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (ASMA) to confirm the circumstances of the crash."

Earlier this afternoon, an online flight tracker showed an AMSA search and rescue jet circling an area over the Groote Eylandt coast.

The authority declined the opportunity to respond to questions, except to tell the ABC that NT Police was leading investigations.