Investigation Summary
The aircraft, registration PH-ZAZ (MSN BB-1478), arrived at London Southend Airport at 13:49 UTC after completing a medical repatriation flight from Pula, Croatia. After approximately one hour on the ground, the crew prepared for a ferry flight to their home base in Lelystad. During the takeoff roll on Runway 05, the aircraft reportedly yawed slightly to the left before rotation. Once airborne at 14:57 UTC (15:57 local time), it deviated sharply to the left of the centreline in a climbing turn. Witnesses reported the aircraft rolled nearly to an inverted position, reaching an altitude of 70 to 80 feet, before striking the ground within the airfield boundary. The impact triggered an intense post-crash fire that destroyed the airframe. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) deployed a team to the site to recover flight recorders and examine the wreckage for potential mechanical failures or flight control issues.
Final Conclusions
The investigation is being conducted by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). As of July 2025, the investigation is in its preliminary stage. The AAIB has confirmed the deployment of investigators to the scene, but no formal preliminary report or final findings have been published regarding the specific cause of the loss of control.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
P&W Canada PT6A-42 Engines
The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42 turboprop engines. Investigators will examine these for signs of power asymmetry or mechanical failure during the initial climb.
Flight Controls
The aircraft's control surfaces and linkages are under investigation to determine if a mechanical jam or disconnection contributed to the observed leftward roll and yaw.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a 1994-built Beechcraft B200 Super King Air (MSN BB-1478) equipped for medical operations.
- 02All four victims were non-British nationals, consisting of two pilots, a doctor, and a nurse.
- 03The crash occurred within the boundary of London Southend Airport, resulting in the temporary closure of the facility.
- 04Weather at the time of the accident included scattered clouds at 4,500 feet and a light wind from the southeast (130-140 degrees) at 7 knots.
- 05The aircraft had previously been registered as G-MEDZ, EC-JGB, D-IHAN, and N8150N.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the official investigation report.