Plane crashes on takeoff at Malta airport, 5 aboard killed

A light plane crashed Monday after takeoff from Malta International Airport en route to Libya, killing all five crew members on board

A light plane crashed Monday after takeoff from Malta International Airport en route to Libya, killing all five crew members on board, airport authorities said.

Officials say a light plane has crashed after takeoff from Malta International Airport, killing all five people on board. The twin-prop Metroliner tipped toward the right and crashed into the ground soon after lifting off at 7:20 a.m. (AP Photo)

The twin-prop Fairchild Metroliner tipped to the right and slammed into the ground soon after lifting off at 7:20 a.m. (0520 GMT), bursting into flames, eyewitnesses said.

Part of the burning wreckage ended up on a road outside the perimeter of the airport.

The aeroplane was on its way to Misrata, Libya.

Malta International Airport was temporarily closed until the debris is cleared, with over a dozen flights delayed or cancelled, according to a notice on the airport website.