Kathmandu- Several people were believed to be killed after a plane crashed in northern Nepal, officials said Wednesday.

The Yeti Airlines plane crashed as it attempted to land at Lukla Airport, about 150 kilometres north-east of Kathmandu, aviation officials said.

A pilot was one of the victims, according to the officials, but the exact number of deaths and injuries was not immediately available.

Police said the Canadian-built Twin Otter aircraft caught on fire soon after the crash leaving many passengers trapped inside the plane.

Foreign tourists were among the passengers, reports said.

The airport, located 2,743 metres above sea-level, is considered one of the world's most dangerous places to land with its steeply-inclined runway, which drops into a cliff.

The airport is popular as many travelers start their trek to Mount Everest from there. (dpa)