A Beechcraft B200 Super King Air twin‑turboprop crashed mere seconds after takeoff from London Southend Airport at around 4:00 PM BST today, en route to Lelystad, Netherlands. The aircraft plummeted to the ground, erupting into a massive fireball and a towering plume of thick black smoke—an alarming spectacle witnessed and recorded by onlookers across Essex.
The Aircraft & Flight Details
The aircraft has been identified as a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, registered under PH‑ZAZ, and commonly used for short-haul charter and business flights. Though the total number of passengers and crew onboard hasn’t been confirmed, this model typically carries 2 crew members and 9–13 passengers.
Emergency Services Respond Immediately
Local emergency crews—including Essex Police, Essex Fire & Rescue, and the East of England Ambulance Service, along with the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance—rushed to the scene. Side roads and nearby recreational spaces like Rochford Hundred Golf Club were evacuated as a safety precaution (Source : Hindustan Times). Southend Airport operations are currently suspended while authorities secure the area and conduct investigations.
Casualties Still Unknown
No official confirmation of fatalities or injuries has been released yet. Local MP David Burton‑Sampson appealed for calm and urged motorists and pedestrians to steer clear of the area. Social media reports indicate a “huge fireball,” but whether there were survivors remains unclear.
What’s Next: Investigation Begins
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is now leading the investigation. They will analyze flight data, cockpit voice recorders (if equipped), and wreckage to determine the cause. While mechanical failure is one possible factor, there have been no indications of foul play or weather-related issues (Source: JFeed).
Historically, Beechcraft King Air aircraft have been involved in previous incidents—such as in Melbourne (2017), Saskatchewan (2019), and Delhi (2015)—though every accident has distinct circumstances
Eyewitness Footage
Multiple videos and images are circulating on platforms like X and Instagram, showing the moment of impact and dramatic flames erupting from the wreckage. News outlets are currently analyzing footage to track the aircraft’s flight path in its critical final moments.
Summary
- Aircraft: Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, reg. PH‑ZAZ
- Incident: Crashed shortly after takeoff (~4 PM BST), massive fireball
- Route: Southend Airport → Lelystad, Netherlands
- Casualties: Unconfirmed; investigation underway
- Emergency response: Fully activated, area secured
- Investigation: AAIB leading, no preliminary cause yet
This is a breaking and developing story. We’ll continue to monitor official updates from AAIB and emergency services. Stay tuned for follow-up reports.
