A routine take-off turned into a terrifying spectacle as flames engulfed the sky over London Southend Airport.
In a dramatic and tragic incident, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air medical aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on Saturday evening, triggering a massive fireball explosion and immediate airport shutdown.
The aircraft, operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation, had taken off around 11:45 AM local time, but within moments, the plane was seen losing control, flipping mid-air, and plunging nose-first into the ground, bursting into flames.
Eyewitnesses Recall ‘Horror in the Sky’
According to bystanders at the nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club, the aircraft banked sharply to the left, then appeared to roll over completely before it plummeted into a field adjacent to the airport’s runway.
“We saw the plane lift off, and just seconds later, it twisted unnaturally and exploded on impact,” said one witness.
Shocking visuals captured by local residents showed towering black smoke and a fireball over 100 feet high rising from the crash site.
Emergency Services and Airport Closure
Multiple fire engines, ambulances, and air ambulances from Essex Fire and Rescue, along with Essex Police, rushed to the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off, and flights were suspended at London Southend Airport, one of the key regional airports in the UK.
Authorities confirmed the airport will remain shut until further notice, causing disruption to flights from major carriers including easyJet and Ryanair.
Flight Details and Investigation
The aircraft involved, tail number PH-ZAZ, had flown previously from Athens and Pula, and was en route to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. It was operated by Zeusch Aviation, known for its air ambulance and charter services.
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is on-site and has launched a formal probe into the crash. The cause is currently unknown, but aviation experts are considering possibilities including mechanical failure, pilot disorientation, or fuel system issues.
As of now, casualty numbers have not been confirmed, though emergency services are conducting rescue and recovery operations at the crash site.
What’s Next?
Authorities are expected to hold a press briefing within 24 hours, while the AAIB continues to collect flight data and eyewitness accounts. Flight operations at Southend Airport will resume only after safety clearance is issued.