A light airplane with one person on board lost contact with air traffic controllers just before lunchtime today.
The plane, which was flying from Carlisle to Wick near the north coast, was last seen close to the Ptarmigan restaurant at the top of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the plane and then a loud bang.
Weather conditions in the area are poor with snow showers and low visibility; two rescue helicopters are currently searching the area.