Mulgathing, SA: Pilot Adam Snell dies in light plane crash in Aussie outback before another is seriously injured in a separate crash

A young pilot is dead and another has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after two separate light plane crashes in outback South Australia within hours. 

A Cessna 172 crashed into a paddock near Mulgathing, about 260km south-west of Coober Pedy and about 830km northwest of Adelaide around 9.30am on Thursday.

It took several hours for police, emergency and Royal Flying Doctor Service crews to reach the scene due to the distance.

The pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft, Adam Snell, 22, died in the crash.

The Kiwi expat got his flying license in New Zealand four years ago and graduated from Massey University School of Aviation.

He had been working as a pilot at a local station Jumbuck Pastoral for the last seven months.

'I have a genuine passion for the industry and seek to challenge myself through chasing new opportunities," his LinkedIn profile states.

'I hold all the required licenses and documentation to operate aircraft commercially, and have completed further study to be issued with credits for all Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theory courses.'

Mulgathing is a 530,700ha sheep station with an airstrip used for mustering. 

Mr Snell's death sparked an outpouring in tributes and has been remembered for his sense of humour and beautiful nature.

'He was a cherished man. He was honest and reliable,' a close friend wrote.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation into the fatal crash.

'Safework SA has been notified of the death and police will be preparing a report for the Coroner,' a police statement read.

Around 2pm, emergency services received reports that a second light plane crashed while attempting to land at Evelyn Downs, north of Coober Pedy. 

The solo male pilot, 42, from Arcoona, was flown more than 1,000km to Adelaide suffering from serious but non-life threatening injuries.