London, United Kingdom: A twin-engine turboprop aircraft operated by Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport on Sunday, July 13, prompting the temporary closure of the airport and an ongoing investigation by UK aviation authorities.
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, registered to Netherlands-based Zeusch Aviation. According to flight data and initial confirmations from the operator, the aircraft was conducting a medical transport mission at the time of the crash. The flight was reportedly en route to the Netherlands, having earlier stopped in Greece and Croatia. It was designated as flight SUZ1.
The incident occurred moments after the aircraft departed from Runway 05 at Southend Airport in Essex. Witnesses and preliminary flight path data indicate the aircraft became airborne before sharply banking left, inverting, and descending rapidly to the ground, resulting in a fireball and thick black smoke visible from several kilometers away.
Emergency Response
Emergency services responded within minutes. Essex Police confirmed that fire and rescue personnel, ambulances, and airport fire crews were immediately deployed to the crash site, located near the end of the airport’s main runway.
A cordon was established around the wreckage, and the public was advised to avoid the area. Authorities have not confirmed the number of individuals onboard at the time of the crash or released any information on casualties, though recovery operations have been ongoing since Saturday afternoon.
Airport Closure
London Southend Airport suspended all operations in the aftermath of the crash. As of Monday, July 14, the airport remains closed while the investigation continues. Flight departures and arrivals have been cancelled or diverted, and passengers have been advised to check with airlines for alternative arrangements.
Investigation
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an official investigation into the crash. Inspectors and recovery teams have been deployed to the scene to secure flight data recorders and other evidence critical to understanding the cause of the incident. The AAIB has not yet released any preliminary findings or official statements on possible mechanical failure or pilot action.
Zeusch Aviation has issued a brief statement acknowledging the accident and confirming that the aircraft was operating under its command. The company expressed cooperation with the AAIB and local authorities and stated that more information would be shared as it becomes available.
Eyewitness Reports
Several individuals near the airport, including those on nearby roads and golf courses, reported seeing the aircraft experience difficulties moments after takeoff. Some described the aircraft waving or banking before entering what appeared to be an uncontrolled descent. Others reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a plume of smoke rising above the crash site.
Local authorities have requested that individuals who witnessed the incident or recorded video footage provide their material directly to investigators rather than share it publicly.
As of this report, no formal casualty figures or identities have been released. The AAIB is expected to issue an initial update in the coming days once primary data, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, is recovered and analyzed.
Operations at Southend Airport will remain suspended pending clearance from investigators and relevant safety authorities. Authorities have asked the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigative process to proceed.
Further details will be shared following the release of the AAIB’s preliminary report.
