A Victorian man who died in a plane crash near Mount Hotham on Thursday has been remembered as a selfless servant of the community.

Pilot Peter Brereton, 60, of Euroa was on a flight between Moruya, New South Wales and Mangalore, Victoria when his plane crashed.

Mr Brereton had been a CFA volunteer for 39 years and was on long service leave ahead of retirement.

His family said Mr Brereton had a passion for flying and was an experienced pilot who had flown extensively across Australia.

“Peter died doing something he loved,” his family said in a statement.

Councillor Graeme Williams of the Strathbogie Shire Council says he was returning from helping out in the New South Wales bushfires.

“(He) and his wife and the family were very, very well respected and they were great volunteers for our community,” he said.

“This is just a sad and tragic loss to a fine person.”