The family of a New Zealand pilot, who died in a light plane crash in the Australian Outback, are bringing his ashes home to Auckland

22-year-old Adam Snell, lost his life when his plane crashed into a paddock near Mulgathing Merino Sheep Station, northwest of Adelaide, last month.

He was the sole occupant of the Cessna 172.

Snell's mother told our newsroom, it's been a tough few days - and she's returning from Adelaide today with his ashes.

According to local media, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be investigating the accident.