Aircraft Crashes After Takeoff from London Southend Airport, Investigation Underway

Essex:

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, a small aircraft exploded into a huge fireball shortly after taking off from London Southend Airport in Essex. At the time of the incident, the Zeusch Aviation operated on single engine turboprop. The Beechcraft King Air B200, was traveling to Lelystad, Netherlands. 

The aircraft took off at approximately 4 p.m. local time, started banking rapidly, lost altitude, and crashed next to the runway, according to airport officials. According to witnesses, the plane turned into a huge fireball before colliding with the ground and flipping "head first" in midair, leaving a plume of dense black smoke in its wake.

Emergency services, including firemen, ambulances, police units, and air ambulance support, hurried to the scene after Essex Police confirmed the crash as a "serious incident." As a precaution, nearby establishments like Westcliff Rugby Club and Rochford Hundred Golf Club were evacuated. Since the crash, the airport has been permanently closed to all flights. 

The aircraft had previously flown from Athens to Pula, according to flight data, before landing at Southend and getting ready for its return trip. It was determined to be a medical transport aircraft and identified as flight SUZ1. It's unclear if there were any patients on board at the time. Zeusch Aviation is fully assisting investigators and has admitted to the accident.

Golfers at the nearby course were among the witnesses, claiming to have seen a "massive fireball" and to have felt the crash's intense heat. Before impact, one remembered the plane inverting and banking to the left. Dramatic video of the crash, which showed the plane engulfed in flames, swiftly went viral on social media. 

In collaboration with Essex Police and other emergency services, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has begun its investigation. While investigations are being conducted, the public has been advised to stay away from the area. 

The number of occupants and any injuries have not yet been verified. According to Zeusch Aviation, it is assisting those who are impacted and collaborating with law enforcement.

This is a serious safety incident at Southend and emphasises how crucial it is to conduct a thorough investigation in the short time frames right after takeoff. As investigators piece together the last moments of the flight, more information is anticipated to be released by the airport and national agencies.