Three people are dead after a light plane crashed shortly after take-off at a regional airport.

Emergency services are at the scene after the aircraft plummeted to the ground soon after departing Shellharbour Airport, south of Sydney, on Saturday morning.

Police said they were notified of the disaster about 10am.

The plane caught fire upon impact, with the flames extinguished by fire and rescue officers.

Three people are confirmed dead.

There are no reports of other people being injured.

A crime scene has been established and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.

Senior police are expected to speak to media about the crash on Saturday afternoon.