A PILOT and co-pilot have died and a married couple are fighting for their lives after a plane broke into two when it came careering off a runway.

Dramatic pictures and footage taken at Greenville Downtown Airport in South Carolina show the aircraft in two pieces moments after the horror crash.

According to local reports, the two people who died were co-pilot Stephen George Fox, 66, of Florida, and the pilot of the plane.

A coroner has not named the pilot as the next of kin has not been informed, but said he is a 49-year-old man, Fox Carolina reported.

The two other people on the aircraft - a married couple who haven't been named - were rushed to hospital and are currently in critical conditions.

The aircraft is believed to be a Dassault Falcon 50 which can seat up to 19 passengers.

It crashed on Thursday afternoon after running off the runway as it touched down at the airport.

Airport director told Greenville Online: "In maybe 20 years, we might have had three to four minor incidents and this is probably the most serious.

"We have aircraft this large and larger routinely land at this ramp. It’s very rare that this has happened."

The Greenville SC Police Department said today: "Roads surrounding the south side of the airport are currently blocked off.

"An aircraft went off the runway and crashed onto Airport Road. The call came in around 1.30pm.

"GPD is assisting GCFD and EMS. More details to follow."