Early indications are that a mechanical fault is not believed to have caused a light plane crash that killed two men in Shepparton on Friday.

The men died when their home-built Lancair Legacy plane crashed shortly after taking off from Shepparton Airport and burst into flames.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has sent four investigators to collect evidence and speak to witnesses and police.

The bureau’s manager of aviation safety, Ian Sangston, says it is extremely unlikely that the aircraft was at fault and that witnesses have provided invaluable information.

“We have a fair understanding of what happened in terms of the take-off and what the pilot had to control,” he said.

“We have an understanding of the information from the accident site itself.

“Unfortunately there was a lot of disruption to the aircraft due to post impact fire and so that’s hampering us a little bit.”