Medical Supply Plane Crashes in Fireball at Southend Airport, All Flights Suspended

Beech B200 Super King Air

A medical transport aircraft erupted into a fireball shortly after takeoff from Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, halting all inbound and outbound flights into the new week. The crash involved a Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft, registered as Flight SUZ1, operated by Dutch-based Zeusch Aviation.

The aircraft, which had arrived in the UK earlier that day and was bound for the Netherlands, crashed just minutes after taking off around 4:00 p.m. Witnesses reported the plane “corkscrewed upside down” before striking the ground near the runway and bursting into flames. A towering plume of black smoke was seen rising from the crash site.

The plume of smoke seen rising from the airport yesterday

Authorities have yet to confirm the number of people on board or the number of casualties. The aircraft, which can carry up to six passengers and two crew members, was reportedly transporting medical supplies at the time of the incident.

Flight tracking data shows that the aircraft briefly taxied on the runway before taking off and veering in the direction of Rochford. The flight path ended abruptly only moments later, indicating that the plane never gained significant altitude before crashing.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full inquiry into the accident. A spokesperson confirmed that a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering, and flight data arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and began collecting evidence.

Emergency services at the scene of the crash

A video shared on social media captured the aircraft taxiing on the tarmac and taking off before crashing and exploding in a fiery blast. The 17-foot-long Beechcraft B200, which can reach speeds of up to 285 mph, is valued at approximately £1.47 million, according to sales data.

Zeusch Aviation, the flight operator based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the crash and is cooperating fully with Essex Police and the AAIB.

A small plane crashed at Southend Airport

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected,” the company said in a statement. Zeusch Aviation's aircraft are typically used for patient and organ transport, as well as for aerial mapping operations.

Emergency services responded immediately to the crash, and Southend Airport temporarily closed the affected areas for safety and investigation purposes. Flight operations remain suspended until further notice.