The Israeli-built Arava plane crashed in the eastern province of Pastaza. Twenty-two people were on board the training flight. Ecuador President Rafael Correa said in a tweet that all 22 died.

"There are no survivors," wrote Correa. "It's a tragedy."

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, CNN reported.

It in statement, the army said that the plane and its occupants -- two pilots, a mechanic and 19 paratroopers -- were taking part in a training exercise.