VALLETTA, MALTA - 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.
The twin-prop Fairchild Metroliner tipped to the right and slammed into the ground soon after lifting off at 7.20am (12.20pm Bangkok time), bursting into flames, eyewitnesses said.
Part of the burning wreckage ended up on a road outside the perimeter of the airport.
The airplane 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.