London’s Southend Airport partially resumed operations on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, following a tragic crash that claimed the lives of four individuals on Sunday. The airport had been closed since the incident, but limited flights are now allowed while full service is expected to return by Thursday morning (Reuters).
What Happened?
The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation, on a medical charter mission bound for Lelystad in the Netherlands (Reuters).
The plane crashed moments after takeoff, within the airport perimeter, bursting into flame on impact (News.com.au).
All four occupants—two Dutch pilots, a German doctor, and a 31-year-old Chilean nurse (Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz)—were killed (The Guardian).
Investigation Underway
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), along with Essex Police, launched a full-scale investigation. On-site search and wreckage analysis are complete, and the aircraft is being dismantled for further inspection (Reuters).
Authorities are gathering technical flight data, witness testimony, and wreckage evidence to determine what went wrong (Sky News).
An air exclusion zone was established for safety and investigation purposes, and all bodies have been recovered and identified through DNA and other forensic methods (Wikipedia).
Partial Reopening Details
Starting Wednesday, four easyJet arrivals and an empty Eastern Airways positioning flight were scheduled (Reuters).
Normal operations are set to resume Thursday morning, with ongoing support for investigations.
Airport officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and thanked staff and the local community for their patience and support (The Independent, AP News).
Reactions & Impact
Essex Police’s Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin confirmed the recovery of all bodies and coordinated efforts with the AAIB for the investigation (The Independent).
Zeusch Aviation released a statement expressing “deepest sympathies” for the crew and their loved ones (AP News).
Witnesses reported the pilots waving to onlookers before the aircraft suddenly banked sharply, inverted, and crashed, creating a dramatic and horrifying scene (The Sun).
Why It Matters
The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, in service since the 1970s, has been dependable—but has encountered fatal failures in the past (AP News).
The aircraft was chartered for medical transport. It had just dropped off a patient, highlighting the critical nature of such flights (The Sun).
This accident underscores the necessity of rigorous aviation safety standards, especially regarding older aircraft in urgent missions.
Summary
What: A medical Beechcraft B200 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing four aboard.
Where: London Southend Airport, during initial climb within airport boundaries.
When: Sunday (July 13), with partial reopening on Wednesday and full recovery expected by Thursday.
Who: Two Dutch pilots, a German doctor, and a Chilean flight nurse.
Next steps: The AAIB and Essex Police continue a detailed investigation to determine the crash cause.
This heartbreaking event shattered lives and temporarily closed the airport. The partial reopening marks a first step toward recovery and normal services. However, the full impact will only be known after the AAIB completes its investigation. Communities, aviation professionals, and emergency services remain attentive, hoping the lessons learned will prompt stronger safety protocols for future medical and charter flights.
