LUMBY, B.C. — Two men have been killed after a small plane crashed and burst into flames shortly after taking off near Lumby, B.C.

RCMP say family members were watching as the plane took off and then attempted to return to the Mable Lake air strip on Sunday afternoon.

On the third try, the aircraft appeared to shake heavily before crashing and bursting into flames in a field owned by the family.

The 53-year-old pilot and a 45-year-old passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The men, who were related, are both believed to be from Lumby, which is about 27 kilometres east of Vernon, B.C.

Police say the weather at the time was unsettled, with heavy winds.

The RCMP and the B.C. coroners service are investigating.