A body has been found during the search for a pilot after a helicopter crash in northern NSW.

The wreckage of the Robinson R44 helicopter was located in dense bushland north of the township of Drake, about three hours’ drive south-west from Brisbane, about 2pm on Saturday.

Following further investigations, police found a body believed to be that of the 77-year-old pilot about 1pm on Sunday.

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He has yet to be formally identified.

Police said the man left the Gold Coast about 9am on Friday bound for Mudgee but failed to arrive as scheduled.

Authorities were alerted about 8pm that evening.

A recovery operation is underway with the assistance of PolAir and Police Rescue.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced and will be led by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.