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Monday 23/02/2026

Southend Airport Closed Indefinitely After Fiery Plane Crash

Beechcraft B200 plane crash with fireball at Southend Airport
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • London Southend Airport remains closed following a Beechcraft B200 plane crash on Sunday, resulting in a "fireball" and grounding all flights.
  • The aircraft, operated by Zeusch Aviation, was involved in medical transport operations; the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
  • Essex Police and emergency services are on-site, urging the public to avoid the area as they continue their work.
  • Witnesses described the plane banking unusually before crashing, with no confirmed casualties yet.
  • The crash has disrupted local events, though some venues like Westcliff Rugby Club were not evacuated.

London Southend Airport has been shut down indefinitely following a dramatic plane crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon. The incident involved a Beechcraft B200 aircraft, which erupted into a fireball shortly after takeoff, prompting immediate closure of the airport and rerouting of all flights.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

The crash took place around 4:00 PM BST, as the plane, operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation, attempted to depart from Southend-on-Sea. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft bank heavily to its left before inverting and crashing headfirst into the ground, resulting in a massive fireball. John Johnson, an eyewitness from Billericay, described the shocking scene, noting that the aircraft's unusual maneuvering was immediately followed by the crash.

Essex Police, along with fire and ambulance services, quickly responded to the scene. Four fire crews and multiple ambulances, including an air ambulance, were dispatched to manage the situation. Authorities have requested the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to conduct their work efficiently.

Zeusch Aviation and Investigation Efforts

Zeusch Aviation, known for its medical evacuation and private charter services, confirmed that their flight SUZ1 was involved in the accident. The company expressed its support for the ongoing investigation and extended thoughts to those affected by the incident. The aircraft was equipped for medical transport, but it remains unclear if it was on a medical mission at the time of the crash or how many individuals were on board.

Community Impact and Reactions

The crash has had a significant impact on the local community, with events and activities disrupted. The Rochford Hundred Golf Club, located near the crash site, evacuated its premises as a precaution. However, the Westcliff Rugby Club, hosting a large event, was allowed to continue without evacuation. Local MP David Burton-Sampson urged residents to steer clear of the area to facilitate emergency operations.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the investigation into the Southend airport crash unfolds, authorities will likely focus on determining the cause of the aircraft's unusual maneuvering and subsequent crash. The Air Accident Investigation Branch will play a crucial role in analyzing flight data and pilot actions. Depending on the findings, there could be broader implications for aviation safety protocols, particularly for aircraft involved in medical transport operations.

The closure of Southend Airport is expected to continue until authorities deem it safe to resume operations, potentially affecting regional travel and local businesses. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks and emergency preparedness in aviation, prompting a possible review of current procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Images from the Web

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Image Source: UKNIP
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Image Source: Frazer Brooks
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Image Source: UKNIP