A light aircraft crashed in northern France on Friday afternoon, killing all three people onboard.

The single-engine Cessna 172 had a pilot, 77, and an elderly couple onboard when it experienced difficulties moments after takeoff.

Investigators said the small plane plunged into a car park and hit a wall at around 4pm local time.

Those onboard are believed to have been friends from the local Chartres Metropole aerodrome flying club in Champhol, Chartres.

Chartres Public Prosecutor Frederic Chevallier said the 'experienced pilot' was a former army general. The couple were in their sixties.

He said: 'The pilot likely prevented a greater tragedy by avoiding the houses.'

No homes in the area were damaged.