The small plane crashed in a field close to Capital Golf Course in Heatherton, to the city's southeast, on Tuesday afternoon.

Victoria Police said the plane crashed into trees shortly after take-off from Moorabbin airport just after midday.

The golf course is directly adjacent to the suburban airport.

The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, has been taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.

Ambulance Victoria said the man aged in his 50s suffered minor upper and lower body injuries.

Aerial footage shows the blue and white aircraft upside-down and missing one of its wings.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said the plane was leaking fuel, with fire-retardant foam used to hose down the aircraft.

"It is also standard operating procedure of the fire services to protect against any flammable liquid which may have been spilled," he told AAP.

The exact cause of the crash has not been determined, with police and emergency services assessing the scene.

Australian Associated Press