The pilot had left Nowra and was flying over a dairy paddock in Brundee, between Greenwell Point and Nowra, when the crash happened at 10am.

Inspector John Behrendt from Nowra Police said the man died instantly.

A witness to the incident, Cameron Dale, said he saw the gyrocopter flying “erratically” before it fell.

“It was like a balloon after it’s been let go,” said Mr Dale.

“It was on its side, it gained altitude and then it fell. It had quite a loud impact.”

He went to the nearest house and was among witnesses to contact Triple 0.

Emergency services, including fire and ambulance, were in attendance and police set up a crime scene.

“There was no sign of an explosion and no signs of fire,” said Inspector Behrendt.

Polair was called and took aerial photographs of the scene and the Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association was also contacted to help detectives.

Inspector Behrendt said the weather conditions at the time were pleasant, slightly overcast with winds gusting at 10 to 15kph. The area where the pilot was flying is a popular one for gyrocopters.

The pilot’s family was contacted and police are yet to release his name.

Police are asking anyone else who may have witnessed the gyrocopter flying or falling to contact Nowra Police on 4421 9699 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.