The plane was carrying food aid for international charity Samaritan’s Purse, Reuters reported, citing an official of the charity.

According to the report, the aircraft crashed around 20 km (12 miles) outside Leer Airstrip in the oil-rich Unity State’s Leer County near the border with Sudan at around 8 a.m. (0600 GMT).

Bikram Rai, Samaritan’s Purse deputy director in South Sudan, said the crashed aircraft, operated by Nari Air, was taking two tonnes of supplies from the capital Juba to people who had been displaced by floods.

“Our team has reached the crash site, and it is with deep sadness that I share the confirmation that all three crew members have passed away,” Mr. Rai said

Nari Air did not respond to a phone call seeking comment. There were no immediate details on the make or model of the aircraft.