A private jet crashed on the runway while attempting to take off in Venezuela, killing two pilots.

The Learjet 55, registered as YV3440, came down at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Caracas, at around 12:52 pm local time on September 24.

Footage showed thick black smoke rising from the burning wreckage of the mid-sized corporate jet in the middle of the tarmac at the country's busiest airport.

The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot were killed, while two passengers on board were injured but are now in a stable condition after receiving immediate medical attention.

INAC said its Accident Investigation Board has been activated to determine the cause of the crash, with adverse weather among the possible factors under review.

The Learjet 55, manufactured by Bombardier, had a strong safety record. Flight tracking data showed it frequently operated routes between Venezuela, Cuba and Panama in recent years.