Six missing on board vintage plane

There are grave concerns for six people on board a missing aircraft on the Sunshine Coast.

At approximately 2:45pm, authorities responded to an emergency beacon, which was activated when the pilot made initial communication.

A search area has been established on the Sunshine Coast hinterland between Maleny and Kingaroy.

The AGL Action Rescue Helicopter began searching for the aircraft soon after communication failed.

"In thick cloud the AGL Action Rescue Helicopter attempted to locate the plane," a press release read.

"It has now been some time since there was any communication from the pilot and the beacon is no longer active."