A person who died in a plane crash in Otago was taking part in a club event with dozens of other aviators

The aircraft encountered trouble yesterday afternoon near Lake Hawea - north of Wanaka.

Police say a second person was helicoptered to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition.

The pair were taking part in the annual Autumn Fly-In for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

President Sue Kronfeld says the association and its members are shocked and deeply upset.