Canberra plane crash – At least one dead as aircraft plunges to the ground just minutes after take off
AT least one person has been killed after a plane crashed just moments after taking off.
The five-seater Cirrus SR22 burst into flames after plunging to the ground in Gundaroo, Australia.
Dramatic pictures show huge plumes of smoke filling the sky.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following the horror crash.
It is unclear how many people were on board the light aircraft.
The plane took off shortly after 2.30pm local time from Canberra Airport, it is understood.
But just six minutes later, it sharply plummeted to the ground near Lake George, reports 9News.
One person has been confirmed dead so far.
A spokesman for New South Wales police said: “Officers from Monaro Police District are conducting inquiries into the incident, including confirming how many people were on board at the time.
“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified and will attend the scene.”
Witnesses said they heard a huge bang as the plane went down.
Lisa Kirkup told the Canberra Times: “At first I thought it was someone shooting close by, but the dogs were barking madly and the horses were running around the paddock, so I thought I should go out and check.”
The Cirrus SR22 is a single-engine aircraft that has been built since 2001 by US firm Cirrus Aircraft.