Port Stephens: Debris found as massive land and sea search launched for man and his dog who went missing during helicopter flight

Debris has been found on the shore of a popular beach after a helicopter went missing in the area more than 24 hours ago.

A 54-year-old pilot and his dog left Cessnock Airport in New South Wales before disappearing at 8.50am on Thursday morning en route to Wallace Island near Kempsey.

Police have since launched a large-scale land and sea rescue operation around Port Stephens, with assistance from the Marine Area Command.

The pilot radioed into an air traffic control tower to confirm he was taking the coastal route and there are suspicions he may have encountered bad weather.

It is understood debris has been found on Bennetts Beach, a stretch of sand immediately north of Yacaaba Headland, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Port Stephens-Hunter police confirmed they had “commenced an investigation” after receiving reports of the missing pilot and his dog.

Officers had searched parts of the Yacaaba headland on Thursday before suspending the operation until Friday morning after finding nothing.

An organized effort resumed Friday morning with the assistance of water police as the search area expanded.

The 54-year-old pilot had refueled at Cessnock airport after a previous trip from Kosciuszko before disappearing.