French Polynesian radio says there have been claims of a small plane crashing near Papara on the island of Tahiti.
The incident has been reported by several witnesses but police have yet to confirm that a small aircraft has been involved in a crash which is believed to have occurred in bush-clad territory.
A police helicopter has flown over the area without spotting a crashed aircraft.
Airport officials in Tahiti say no authorisation was given for a small plane to take off.
