A Beechcraft B200 Super King Air turboprop operated by Zeusch Aviation (flight SUZ1) crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon. It was attempting to return to Lelystad in the Netherlands after flying from Athens via Pula, Croatia.
Sequence of Events
- The aircraft lifted off and within 3–4 seconds, witnesses reported it began banking briskly to the left.
- It rapidly inverted and plunged “head-first into the ground”, triggering a massive fireball and thick plumes of black smoke .
- Eyewitness John Johnson said: “It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily… then more or less inverted and crashed just head‑first.”
Casualties and Damage
- All four occupants on board—two crew and two passengers—tragically lost their lives .
- Among the deceased was Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, a 31-year-old flight nurse on her first day, along with the Dutch pilot, co-pilot, and another European medical professional .
- The crash occurred within airport boundaries. An emergency air exclusion zone was enforced, and ground staff—including RAF units—responded rapidly .
Airport Operations & Response
- Southend Airport immediately shut down all flight operations. Departing and arriving flights were cancelled or diverted to Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted.
- Essex Police, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), Royal Air Force, and local fire services have launched a comprehensive investigation.
Investigation Underway
- The AAIB team has already collected crucial evidence at the crash scene and is analyzing wreckage, black box data, and radar/flight records .
- Preliminary witness statements and physical traces will shape the initial findings, with an official press briefing expected soon.
💬 Official Statements
- Zeusch Aviation confirmed Flight SUZ1 was involved in the accident, offers its full support to the investigation, and extended condolences to those affected .
- The airport confirmed the full closure “until further notice” via social media .
Honoring the Crew
- Authorities and media outlets from the UK and beyond have expressed grief. Tributes to the crew, especially flight nurse Ortiz, have highlighted their professional dedication on what was her first operational flight .
- A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support Ortiz’s family.
What’s Next
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Crash site analysis | Continued examination of wreckage, flight data, and air traffic control logs |
| Witness & staff interviews | Statements from ground crews, air traffic controllers, and emergency personnel |
| Preliminary report | AAIB expects to release initial findings soon, followed later by a detailed final investigation |
The tragedy at Southend underscores the critical importance of safety protocols, thorough aircraft maintenance, and robust emergency response mechanisms. As investigators dig deeper into this devastating event, the aviation community mourns the loss of four individuals whose flight was cut tragically short.
