An animal rescue pilot has been killed in a plane crash in upstate New York, while two dogs who were with him survived, authorities said.

A pilot who became renowned for rescuing animals has died in a plane crash in New York state while transporting three rescue dogs said officials.

A volunteer pilot flying three rescue dogs to a care facility in upstate New York died along with one of the dogs after his plane crashed in the state's Catskill Mountains, according to officials.