2 Men, Dressed As Father Christmas For Children's Party, Die In Plane Crash In France

The circumstances of the crash, which happened as the plane was approaching the runway, "have yet to be determined," an official said.

A pilot and a passenger dressed as Father Christmas heading for a children's party were killed Sunday when their plane crashed in central France, officials said.

The men, aged 68 and 79, were taking part in a flight for their local aviation club. The small plane crashed less than two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Vichy-Charmeil airport, emergency services said.

Children aged between five and 13 who had been waiting for the plane's arrival at the Vichy plane club were left in "shock", according to a member, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity.