Three people have died in a light plane crash in the Riverland region of South Australia.

A search party found the wreckage a few kilometres from the Renmark Aerodrome on Tuesday. An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman said the fixed wing aircraft sent out a distress signal shortly after taking off.

“We became aware there might be an issue shortly after take off when a distress signal was detected,” she said.

The spokeswoman said the last departure for the Cessna Conquest was from Renmark. South Australia police confirmed the 10 seater Cessna Conquest left with three people on board including the pilot. The 10-seater plane was on a “check and training” flight when it took off from Renmark Aerodrome and its emergency beacon was activated about 15 minutes after takeoff.

The plane was found just 4km away from the airport.

Renmark-born South Australian Senator Anne Ruston tweeted her devastation at the news. “Horrible, horrible news. My thoughts & prayers with loved ones who have tragically lost family members tonight in a plane crash in Renmark,” she wrote. Major Crash investigators are making their way to the scene west of Adelaide to assist the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

No details about the pilot or passengers have been released.