More than a year after a medical transport aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Southend Airport, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has reiterated that its inquiry remains open as it seeks to establish how control of the aircraft was lost.
What happened
The aircraft involved was a Beech B200 Super King Air on a medical transport mission. It departed Southend Airport on 13 July 2025 and, according to the AAIB, "immediately deviated to the left of the runway centreline in a climbing left turn". The aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 70–80 ft above runway level after turning through around 90°, before descending and striking the ground within the airfield boundary. An intense post-crash fire followed and all four people on board were fatally injured.
"Once airborne, it immediately deviated to the left of the runway centreline in a climbing left turn. It reached an altitude of between 70 - 80 ft above the runway level, having turned through 90°, before descending towards the ground."
Victims and post-mortem findings
The four victims have been publicly named by investigators: pilots Danny Franken, 53, and Floris Rhee, 24; doctor Matthias Eyl, 46; and nurse Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31. A post-mortem examination concluded that three of the occupants — all except Dr Eyl — died as a result of traumatic head injuries.
Scope of the investigation
The AAIB has said it is examining a range of possible contributory factors, including technical, operational, human and organisational elements. Because the impact and subsequent fire caused severe damage, only limited physical evidence remains available for examination. The inquiry team has been analysing all evidence gathered so far, including witness video and CCTV footage, and working with accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject matter experts.
- Aircraft type: Beech B200 Super King Air
- Date of accident: 13 July 2025
- Occupants: Four; all fatally injured
- Altitude reached before descent: about 70–80 ft
Legal proceedings and local impact
Southend Airport was closed for several days while emergency services worked at the scene. An inquest had been scheduled to begin on 15 June at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford, but it is currently on hold pending further investigatory work; no new date has been set. The delay means bereaved families are still awaiting formal examination of the circumstances in a coroner's hearing.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| AAIB investigation | Ongoing |
| Inquest | On hold; no next date fixed |
| Physical evidence | Limited due to impact and fire |
The AAIB has not indicated a timetable for publication of a final report; it has stated that a full report will be released once all investigative work is complete. For the local community and those who rely on Southend Airport, the investigation’s findings will be important not only for establishing what went wrong on that day but also for any recommendations that could affect future operations and safety procedures.
Investigators continue to appeal to anyone with relevant information — including additional footage or eyewitness observations — to come forward through the AAIB channels. In the meantime, family, friends and colleagues of the deceased continue to be offered support while the inquiry proceeds.
