A PILOT has made a lucky escape after his light plane ran off a runway and crashed into a fence in Yering this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Lilydale Airport shortly before 1pm today following reports a twin propeller aircraft travelling from Sydney had overshot the runway.

media_camera Emergency services respond to a light plane crash at Lilydale Airfield in Yering. Picture: Channel 7

The privately owned Cessna aircraft is believed to have collided with a steep embankment before coming to rest on a farm fence.

The 63-year-old pilot and sole occupant was not injured during the crash.

CFA crews, police and paramedics also attended the with three fire trucks working to contain a fuel leak from the plane.

McIntyre Lane was closed for some time while the aircraft was craned to the airport hangar.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the cause of the accident.