Authorities in Papua New Guinea say twelve people including an Australian pilot have allegedly died when a light plane crashed as it tried to land in the country’s western province.

Local media reported the plane, part of the small two-aircraft company Sunbird Aviation, had fallen short of the runaway in Kiunga by one kilometre due to engine failure.

Kiunga police said three people were taken from the wreckage to Kiunga hospital, but were pronounced dead on arrival.

“Yesterday we encountered a tragedy, a plane crash,” Kiunga’s police commander Joe Puri said.

“A small plane that arrived from Oksapmin just before landing crashed into the swamp, with all the passengers, including the pilot, dead.”

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed they are aware of the incident.

– with other agencies