tokyo plane crash
The tail section of a crashed light plane (R) and burning house are seen after the plane went down in a residential area and burst into flames, in Chofu, in the outskirts of Tokyo. Reuters/Kyodo

Three people have been killed after a small plane crashed into a residential area in Japan.

The light aircraft crashed and set fire to houses and cars shortly after departing from Chofu airport in Tokyo, public broadcaster NHK said.

Two people died on board the plane while a female resident was killed. At least two others were also injured, according to Tokyo Fire Department.

The plane was on its way to Izu Oshima Island, south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, according to NHK.

tokyo plane crash
An aerial view shows debris of a crashed light plane and burning houses after a plane crashed in Chofu, Tokyo. Reuters/Kyodo