Three people injured in a plane crash in Durban will undergo surgery on Friday, SA Airlink have announced. Three crew members and a bystander on the ground were injured in Thursday's crash.

Airlink spokesperson Karin Murray said a bystander Abraham Mthethwa was in a critical but stable condition.

"He sustained leg fractures and will be operated on today. He is critical but in a stable condition."

Flight attendant Rodelle Oosthuizen, who sustained facial and back injuries, would also undergo surgery.

Captain Alistair Freeman sustained multiple injuries including facial fractures, broken ribs and ankle, and a suspected punctured lung.

"He is still critical but stable and will be operated on his legs today. Once the facial swelling has reduced his facial fractures will be attended to," said Murray.

First Officer Sonja Bierman also sustained multiple injuries. She was in a stable condition and under sedation.

"She has broken both her ankles and a hand and has sustained fractures in the pelvic area and chest. Her ankles were operated on successfully yesterday."

Airlink said there were no passengers on board at the time and no fatalities reported.

In a statement on the Civil Aviation Authority's website, it said the plane, carrying three passengers, "experienced engine problems after take-off from Durban International Airport".

"The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and the crew attempted to land on a sports field of a local school at a suburb just three kilometres north east of the airport."