Plane Crashes at London Southend Airport
Plane Crashes Moments After Takeoff A small plane crashed at London Southend Airport on July 13, 2025. The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air went down shortly after takeoff at 3:48 p.m. Witnesses saw it bank sharply left, invert, and crash nose-first.

A massive fireball and black smoke followed. The crash site was near the runway. Emergency services rushed to the scene.
Airport Shuts Down, Flights Canceled
London Southend Airport closed immediately after the crash. All flights were grounded until further notice. At least ten easyJet flights were canceled. Two incoming flights diverted to Gatwick and Stansted. Passengers were told to contact airlines for updates. The closure disrupted travel plans for many. Authorities are working to reopen the airport soon.
Zeusch Aviation Confirms Involvement
The plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch company. It was flight SUZ1, bound for Lelystad, Netherlands. The aircraft had flown from Athens to Pula, Croatia, earlier that day. Zeusch Aviation confirmed the crash in a statement. They are supporting the investigation. The company specializes in medical evacuations and private charters
Eyewitnesses Describe Terrifying Scene Witnesses reported a dramatic crash. John Johnson, at the airport with his family, saw the plane wave to children before takeoff. Seconds later, it “corkscrewed upside down” and hit the ground. He described a “big fireball” erupting on impact. Another witness, Wren Stranix, was on a nearby plane. She said the airport went into lockdown. Social media showed images of flames and smoke.
Investigation Underway, Cause Unknown Essex Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are investigating.
The crash is labeled a “serious incident.” Early reports suggest an unusual midair maneuver. Authorities have not confirmed the cause. Two pilots were aboard, but casualty details are unclear. The investigation may take weeks to conclude. Nearby areas, including a golf club, were evacuated.
Safety Concerns Raised
The crash has sparked aviation safety discussions. The Beechcraft B200 has a strong safety record. It’s used for medical and executive transport. This incident echoes a 1987 crash of the same model at Southend. Experts are questioning what went wrong. The airport’s closure has impacted local businesses. Authorities aim to improve safety measures.