Five people were killed in a plane crash near Pisa airport in northwestern Italy, the country's air force said on Monday.

A military C-130 transport plane with five people on board crashed soon after takeoff from Pisa airport at 2:10 p.m. local time (0310 GMT), according to ANSA news agency.

Military personnel investigate the crash of an Italian air force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft in a field near a base in Pisa November 23, 2009. The Italian air force said that all five crew were killed in the crash. [Xinhua]

All the five people aboard the plane were killed in the crash, air force sources said.

Military sources said the plane, which was from the 46th air force brigade, was engaged in a training exercise.

Some Witnesses said the plane spun out of control before crashing and bursting into flames.

Military personnel investigate the crash of an Italian air force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft in a field near a base in Pisa November 23, 2009. The Italian air force said that all five crew were killed in the crash. [Xinhua]

Pisa Mayor Marco Filippeschi said the plane came down just outside the airport area and crashed on to tracks of the local Pisa-Collessavetti-Cecina rail line.

Pisa airport, used by both military and civilian aircraft, has been temporarily closed down.

Italian Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa was being kept informed of the developments from the crash, the military sources said.

Military personnel investigate the crash of an Italian air force C-130J Hercules transport aircraft in a field near a base in Pisa November 23, 2009. The Italian air force said that all five crew were killed in the crash. [Xinhua]

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