Plane Crash at London Southend Airport
Overview
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at London Southend Airport in Essex, England, when a small passenger aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, crashed moments after takeoff. The plane, operated by Zeusch Aviation, was en route to Lelystad, Netherlands, when it erupted into a massive fireball, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The crash, which occurred shortly before 4:00 PM local time, prompted a large-scale emergency response and led to the cancellation of multiple flights. Details regarding casualties and the number of passengers remain unconfirmed, as authorities continue their investigation.
Timeline of Events
- 3:45 PM BST (Approx.): The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, registered as PH-ZAZ, begins its takeoff from runway 05 at London Southend Airport, bound for Lelystad, Netherlands.
- 3:50–4:00 PM BST: Moments after takeoff, the aircraft loses altitude and crashes on the left side of the runway, erupting into a massive fireball. Eyewitnesses report flames and dense black smoke visible for miles.
- 4:00 PM BST: Essex Police are alerted to the "serious incident." Emergency services, including fire, ambulance, and air ambulance, are dispatched.
- 4:05–4:15 PM BST: Emergency teams arrive, and nearby areas like Rochford Hundred Golf Club are evacuated.
- 4:30 PM BST (Approx.): London Southend Airport confirms the incident on X, urging the public to avoid the area.
- 4:45 PM BST (Approx.): MP David Burton-Sampson acknowledges the incident, asking the public to stay clear.
- 5:00 PM BST (Approx.): Flight operations are suspended, with at least four flights canceled.
- 5:30–6:00 PM BST: Eyewitness accounts describe the crash as "absolutely tragic," with footage circulating online.
- 6:00–11:00 PM BST: News outlets report the aircraft as a Beech B200, with no confirmed casualty details.
- 11:38 PM BST (Approx.): Emergency operations continue, with no further casualty updates.
Key Details
Aircraft: Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a twin-engine turboprop (PH-ZAZ), operated by Zeusch Aviation.
Flight Path: From Southend to Lelystad, Netherlands, with earlier flights from Athens to Pula, Croatia.
Crash: Occurred shortly after takeoff from runway 05, with a fireball and thick smoke reported.
Emergency Response: Involved Essex Police, Fire and Rescue, and East of England Ambulance Service.
Impact: Flight operations halted, at least four flights canceled.
Community and Official Reactions
Local officials and eyewitnesses expressed shock. ESN Report described the incident as "absolutely tragic," noting their proximity to the event.
Broader Context
London Southend Airport, 36 miles east of central London, serves both general aviation and commercial flights. The crash raises questions about aviation safety for smaller aircraft. A prior Cessna runway incident occurred 40 minutes earlier, though no link is confirmed.
Conclusion
The crash of the Beechcraft B200 at London Southend Airport on July 13, 2025, is a tragic event with ongoing investigations. Emergency services remain on-site, and the public awaits updates on casualties and the cause. This incident underscores the importance of aviation safety and thorough investigations.
