Relatives in Nigeria wait anxiously to hear news of survivors after a plane crashed near Lagos airport.

Twenty people were on board the Associated Airlines aircraft, which was flying to Akure more than 200 km east of Lagos.

Sixteen people died and several were injured when the small plane came down in open ground, bursting into flames.

Officials say a rescue operation was launched immediately.

The flight recorder has been found and an investigation has begun.

It's not soon enough for families here who question why the plane crashed shortly after takeoff....but it's well known that the country has a history of aviation disasters.