Plane lost control before Southend Airport crash

A medical evacuation plane lost control before fatally plummeting into the ground at London Southend Airport, initial inquiries have found.

All four people onboard were killed when the Beech B200 Super King Air crashed just before 16:00 BST on 13 July 2025.

The plane reached up to 80ft (24m) above the runway level before it rapidly descended, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.

Investigators are due to publish their findings in full once the ongoing inquiries are complete.

Capt Danny Franken, 53, first officer Floris Rhee, 24, Dr Mathias Eyl, 46, and Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, all died in the crash.

They were returning to their base at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, having flown a patient into the UK from Greece, via Croatia, for treatment.

"The aircraft experienced a loss of control shortly after takeoff from Runway 05," the AAIB said.

It described how the small aircraft, piloted by Franken, yawed slightly to the left before turning 90 degrees, and then began to plummet.

"The aircraft struck the ground within the airfield boundary and an intense post-crash fire followed," investigators continued.

"Tragically, all four occupants were fatally injured."

Investigators have been focusing on what contributed to the loss of control and examining the significantly damaged plane.

The flightpath was captured on CCTV and by witness video prior to the crash.

"The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed," the AAIB said.

DNA analysis and dental records were used to identify the victims.

Franken, Rhee and Ortiz all died from severe traumatic head injuries, while Eyl's cause of death was yet to be determined, an inquest opening in July 2025 heard.

A full hearing is to be held in Chelmsford at a later date.

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