A light plane crash has killed a pilot and passenger and left several injured in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

The plane hit a hanger which sparked a large fire, raising the alarm at 2.11pm yesterday before firefighters rushed to the airport.

SA Police Chief Inspector Andrew McCracken told 7NEWS reporters that the plane had crashed shortly after take off, leaving many with critical injuries and severe smoke inhalation.

“One remains in life-threatening condition at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, two remain in a serious condition,” he said.

All of those injured had been in the hangar at the time of the crash. Many were student pilots.

The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) advised people to stay indoors due to the smog and contaminated air.

MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann also told 7NEWS his crews reported “intense flames” at the scene of the crash.

“These fires were intensified by the amount of fuel that was inside the hanger,” he said

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said they have sent investigators from interstate to assess the damage.

“They will arrive on site on Thursday morning, and over coming days will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including site and wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components of interest for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” he said.

“Investigators will also interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data and CCTV footage, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information”.

The ATSB has asked for anyone with video footage of the accident to contact them via the witness form on their website atsb.gov.au/witness.

Photo: Parafield Airport tower Vabre-1.jpg by Phil Vabre is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has been cropped.