In pictures: Supersonic jet crash

A scale model of a plane intended to fly twice as fast as Concorde crashes into the ground shortly after taking off as it is tested at a former rocket-testing range in South Australia.

The plane was launched on the back of a booster rocket (AFP/AP)

It soon began to veer off course

The booster began to spiral out of control

Soon it was heading straight towards the ground

Just before it hit the booster was clearly visible

It exploded on impact

Debris was blasted out across the desert

All that was left was a puff of smoke darkening the sky