The Airbus A340-600 that crashed carrying out engine tests at Toulouse airport"The nine people on board were all evacuated and we do not know the condition of the injured,'' an Airbus official said.
The plane was "seriously damaged".
Two of the passengers and another person on the ground were seriously injured, police said.
In all 10 people were injured and four people were taken to hospital, three of whom were in serious conditions, they said.
Eighty firefighters rushed to the scene after the plane slammed nose-first into the barrier and the tail hit the tarmac.
"For an unknown reason the aircraft began to roll and it climbed up the embankment in front of it,'' said Airbus France spokesman Jacques Rocca.
European aircraft manufacturer said it "deeply regrets'' the accident which occurred at 5pm (3am AEDT)) during "engine-run-ups''.
The company said, however, that only five people had been injured.
"At this time, recovery operations are still in progress and Airbus staff is working closely with the emergency services and local authorities at the site,'' it said.
"Airbus expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of the persons concerned.''
It also promised to support French authorities investigating the accident.
The plane, destined for Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways, was a Airbus A340-600. The four-engined aircraft can carry between 380 and 472 passengers depending on the model.
