A medical evacuation plane lost control before plummeting to the ground at London Southend Airport, according to initial inquiries by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The crash, which occurred just before 16:00 BST on 13 July 2025, resulted in the deaths of all four people onboard the Beech B200 Super King Air.
The AAIB reported that the aircraft reached approximately 80ft (24m) above the runway before it rapidly descended. Investigators described the small aircraft yawing slightly to the left, turning 90 degrees, and then beginning to plummet shortly after takeoff from Runway 05.
The plane struck the ground within the airfield boundary, followed by an intense post-crash fire. The victims were identified as Capt Danny Franken, 53, first officer Floris Rhee, 24, Dr Mathias Eyl, 46, and Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31. They were returning to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands after transporting a patient to the UK.
Investigators are focusing on factors that contributed to the loss of control and are examining the significantly damaged plane. The flightpath was captured on CCTV and witness video. The evidence gathered and examination results are currently being analysed, with full findings to be published once inquiries are complete.