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5 killed after plane crashes on takeoff at Malta airport

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5 killed after plane crashes on takeoff at Malta airport
WATCH ABOVE: A small plane heading toward Libya's coast to monitor migrant trafficking routes for the French government crashed soon after takeoff from Malta's airport Monday – Oct 24, 2016

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 7:20 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 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.

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