headline

Two people dead after light plane crashes into hangar in South Australia

Two people have died and another is fighting for their life after a light plane crashed into an aircraft hangar just north of Adelaide.

South Australia Police chief inspector Andrew McCracken said the DA42 four-seat twin-engine aircraft took off from Parafield Airport after 2pm today and crashed into the Hangar 54 shortly after take-off.

The plane burst into flames and sent thick black smoke into the air.

READ MORE: Police reveal 'distressing' finds in increasingly desperate search for Sharon

A light plane has crashed into an aircraft hangar in South Australia, just north of Adelaide. Police were called to an area near Kings Road at Parafield after reports the small aircraft had collided with the hangar as the aircraft attempted to land at the airport.

A pilot and their passenger died in the crash and a number of airport staff who were inside the hangar at the time were injured.

One person was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a life-threatening condition with significant burns to their body.

Two others were taken to the same hospital in a serious condition and another with minor physical injuries.

Four people were taken to Lyell McEwin Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and a further two were taken to Modbury Hospital.

The Air Traffic Safety Board will visit the airport tomorrow morning to assist with the investigation.

"A pathologist is on scene, along with major crash staff," McCracken said.

"It is subject to a full investigation and a cordon will remain in place overnight for at least 24 hours as the matter is investigated."

A Metropolitian Fire Service (MFS) spokesperson said almost 60 firefighters were called to the scene and brought the blaze under control in 20 minutes.

The fire significantly damaged the hangar and several planes inside.

The crash also impacted the fire hydrant system at the airport, which left the sprinkler system out of action.

The MFS issued a smoke advice for the Parafield and Mawson Lakes area due to the extent of the smoke.

Parafield is located about 15 to 18 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD.

It is the second light plane crash in Parafield in a matter of months.

In January, a plane crashed at Parafield Airport as it was about to land.

The pilot and sole occupant walked away from the crash uninjured.

The plane caught fire on impact and flames spread to nearby grass.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.