The AAIB says a Beech B200 Super King Air used for medical evacuation lost control and crashed at London Southend Airport on 13 July 2025, just before 16:00 BST. The aircraft climbed to about 80 ft, yawed left, turned roughly 90 degrees and then descended rapidly, striking the airfield and igniting a post-crash fire. All four on board were killed; DNA and dental records were used to confirm identities. Investigators are analysing CCTV, witness video and severely damaged wreckage and will publish a full report when inquiries conclude.
Medical-Evacuation Plane Lost Control and Crashed at London Southend Airport — Four Dead
Witnesses described seeing a fireball at the airport after the crash [UKNIP]
A medical-evacuation Beech B200 Super King Air lost control and crashed at London Southend Airport on 13 July 2025, just before 16:00 BST, killing all four people on board, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said in its initial inquiry.
The light twin reached approximately 80 ft (24 m) above runway level before it descended rapidly. According to the AAIB, the aircraft yawed slightly to the left, rotated through about 90 degrees and then entered a steep, uncontrolled descent shortly after departing Runway 05.
"The aircraft experienced a loss of control shortly after takeoff from Runway 05," the AAIB said. "The aircraft struck the ground within the airfield boundary and an intense post-crash fire followed. Tragically, all four occupants were fatally injured."
The victims were named by authorities as Capt Danny Franken, 53; First Officer Floris Rhee, 24; Dr Mathias Eyl, 46; and Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31. They had been returning to their base at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands after transporting a patient into the UK from Greece via Croatia for treatment.
The light aircraft crash unfolded at London Southend Airport just after take-off [BBC]
Emergency services responded to the scene after the aircraft struck the ground inside the airport boundary and a significant post-impact fire developed. The airport was temporarily closed while crews attended the scene and investigators began their work.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are focusing on factors that could have contributed to the loss of control. The wreckage was heavily damaged by impact and fire, and the AAIB is analysing physical evidence, CCTV footage and witness video recordings of the flight path. Examinations also include technical inspections of recovered components and review of operational and human factors.
Authorities used DNA analysis and dental records to confirm the identities of the victims. An inquest opening in July 2025 reported that Capt Franken, First Officer Rhee and Ms Rojaz Ortiz died from severe traumatic head injuries; the precise cause of death for Dr Eyl was still to be determined.
The AAIB has said it will publish a comprehensive report when its technical, operational and medical examinations are complete. Until then, the circumstances that led to the rapid loss of altitude and the subsequent crash remain under detailed investigation.
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