This is the shocking moment a light aircraft crashes in Romania, killing two people onboard.

Footage shows the small plane going down in the yard of a former freight car factory in Arad on Saturday, August 9, erupting into a fireball and sending thick black smoke into the area.

An incident report from the Aviation Safety Network stated: 'A Zenair CH 601 XL Zodiac, YR-5078, was destroyed when it crashed in the courtyard of a factory while on approach to Arad Airport (ARW/LRAR), Calea Aurel Vlaicu. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.'

The incident occurred just a few miles short of its destination around 11:30 am local time.

The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, with the engine landing some distance away from the main wreckage.

Although the factory had ceased operations in June, several security personnel were still stationed on-site and immediately contacted emergency responders.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.