Six people were killed when a plane went down in woodland in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Antonov An-2R, registered 9S-GZP, had departed from Lubutu Airport and was en route to Kisangani when it crashed near the Ituri road after colliding with a tree on Saturday, August 16.

Reports indicated the aircraft lost radio contact with air traffic control during its approach, shortly before the fatal crash.

The Aviation Safety Network stated: 'An Antonov An-2R crashed in a forest about 34 kilometres from Kisangani, D.R. Congo. Local media reports that one of the seven on board survived with critical injuries.

'The aircraft had been sold by Air Kasai, with the new operator being in the process of certification. The aircraft had been issued a ferry permit to Kisangani in order to obtain a Certificate of Airworthiness following a technical inspection.

'On board the aircraft were two pilots, an engineer, a CAA inspector, and an army colonel with his wife and bodyguard.'

Footage shows part of the wrecked plane burning at the crash site.

A Ukrainian passport was recovered at the scene, helping confirm the identity of at least one of the foreign nationals on board.

Authorities and the operating company offered their condolences to the victims' families. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.