A pilot and two passengers have died after a light plane crashed into a paddock and caught alight.

Emergency services were called to the crash in Tinamba West in Victoria’s East Gippsland on Saturday afternoon.

Police were told the aircraft was circling the area before it crashed and set on fire.

The pilot and two passengers, who were the only occupants onboard and are yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the crash of the “amateur-built light aircraft” and is calling for witnesses or anyone with photos or video of the crash to come forward.

—AAP