Investigations begin into Essendon plane crash which claimed five lives

The scene of the fiery plane crash which claimed the lives of the pilot and four American tourists is now in the hands of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Four air-crash investigators have flown in from around the country to determine what exactly went wrong at Essendon Airport.

They’ll assess the wreckage, recorded radio and radar data.

They’re also keen to speak with witnesses.

The five-person charter plane suffered ‘catastrophic engine failure’ shortly after take-off.

Speaking on 3AW Drive, aviation expert and Chairman of Strategic Aviation Solutions Neil Hansford said there had to be more to it.

‘It has to be something more mechanical,’ he said.

‘That in itself (engine failure) shouldn’t have bought the aircraft down.’

The Essendon DFO, where the plane crashed, remains closed, while the families affected have received consular assistance

Click PLAY to hear the interview with Neil Hansford on 3AW Drive