Southend Airport Closes After Deadly King Air Crash
London Southend Airport (SEN) has been closed indefinitely following a fatal crash involving a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air B200, which erupted into flames shortly after takeoff on July 13, 2025. The aircraft, registered as PH-ZAZ and operated by Zeusch Aviation, was on a flight to Lelystad Airport (LEY) in the Netherlands when the accident occurred.
The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air had landed earlier that afternoon at 13:49 local time, arriving from Pula Airport (PUY) in Croatia. After remaining on the ground for just over an hour, it taxied to runway 05 at 14:52 and departed at 14:58. Moments after takeoff, eyewitnesses reported the aircraft banking sharply to the left, nearly inverting before crashing and erupting into a fireball.
Zeusch Aviation, which provides services such as medical evacuation, transplant flights, aerial mapping, and surveillance, confirmed the crash and said it is cooperating fully with authorities. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected,” the company said in a statement.
Bystander footage and images posted to social media showed a large fireball engulfing the area where the aircraft struck the ground, intensifying concerns about casualties. As of July 14, officials have not confirmed how many people were on board or if there were any survivors.
In response to the crash, London Southend Airport immediately suspended all flight operations and issued a statement confirming the airport is closed until further notice. Passengers were urged to contact their airlines for updates.
Essex Police and the UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) have launched a full investigation into the incident. Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said authorities are working closely with emergency services at the scene to determine the cause of the crash. “We understand the public’s need for answers, but we ask for patience while we carry out this vital investigation thoroughly and correctly,” Cronin said.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged the tragedy in a statement posted on social media platform X. “The emergency services are on scene and advising the public to avoid the area. I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates,” she said.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Investigators are examining flight data, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records as part of the ongoing inquiry. Meanwhile, Southend Airport’s operations remain suspended, with no timeline yet announced for reopening.
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