A Beechcraft B200 Super King Air configured as an air ambulance crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on July 13, 2025, prompting a major emergency response. The aircraft, operated by Dutch firm Zeusch Aviation, was en route to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands when it lost control during climb-out and crashed just beyond the runway.
The aircraft, registered PH-ZAZ, was a dedicated air ambulance used for patient transfer missions across Europe. It had arrived in Southend earlier that day from Croatia via Belgium, likely as part of a scheduled or positioning medical flight.
It is reported that aside from the pilot and co-pilot, no patients or medical personnel were onboard at the time of the crash. There is no immediate word on casualties.
UPDATE: It has now been confirmed that four people died in the crash.
Emergency services including four ambulances, four hazardous area response team, and an air ambulance responded to the scene. No official confirmation has been provided regarding the condition of those onboard.
Fireball After Takeoff
An eyewitness told Sky News that the pilots “waved” at his family as they taxied the aircraft.
The aircraft flipped and exploded into a massive fireball seconds after take-off.
Photos and video circulating on social media showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage, which came to rest in a grassy area beyond the runway.
Southend Airport Disruption
Southend Airport was temporarily closed following the incident, with all flights grounded to allow emergency crews to quickly extinguish the flames. Several flights were cancelled or diverted, and nearby areas — including Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club — were evacuated as a precaution.
In a statement, the airport confirmed the “serious” incident and informed the public that the airport is closed till further notice.
Local MP David Burton-Sampson wrote on X (formerly Twitter) asking people to keep away and allow the emergency services to do their job.
The Beechcraft B200 is a twin-turboprop aircraft frequently used for air ambulance missions and corporate transport. Its robust performance and ability to operate from short runways make it a popular platform across Europe and Africa. Zeusch Aviation offers medevac services, transplant flights, private charters, aerial mapping and relay flights. It uses King Air variants in its fleet.
Image: Screenshot from a video shared by @agussromagnoli on X (Formerly Twitter)
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