A pilot has had a lucky escape after his plane crashed and caught fire in the Southern Tablelands tonight (Friday 8 January 2016).

About 6pm, emergency services were called to a private air strip near the Hume highway between Goulburn and Marulan.

A single engine Brumby had begun taking off when it crashed and caught fire.

The pilot and sole occupant, a 78-year-old man from Robertson, was able to leave the plane himself and did not require medical treatment.

The plane was destroyed

Inquiries into the events leading up to the crash are continuing. These inquiries are being carried out by Recreational Aviation Australia.