Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are combing the scene of a crash involving an amateur-built light plane which came down south of Perth on Monday, killing the pilot.

The ATSB said the two-seat DynAero VLA Sportster crashed near Serpentine Airfield at Hopeland shortly after take-off.

The pilot was the only person on board, with the impact destroying the aircraft.

A team of four transport safety investigators, with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance from the ATSB’s Perth and Brisbane offices, has been deployed to the accident scene, and began initial on-site activities on Tuesday.

“Investigators will examine the wreckage, recover any aircraft components of interest for further analysis at ATSB technical facilities and map the accident site,” the ATSB said in a statement.

“The ATSB will also analyse any available recorded data and interview witnesses and other involved parties.”

A preliminary report is expected to be released in a few weeks.

-AAP