Dutch pilot and co-pilot died in plane crash at London Southend Airport

Louise Parry & David FreezerBBC Information, EssexUKNIPEight Air Accident Investigation Inspectors are actually on the website in EssexA Dutch pilot and co-pilot have been amongst 4 individuals who died when a small airplane crashed at London Southend Airport , it has been confirmed. The airport has been closed since emergency providers have been referred to as to the incident involving a Beech B200 Tremendous King Air shortly earlier than 16:00 BST on Sunday.Witnesses described a “fireball” sort explosion quickly after the Netherlands-bound gentle plane had taken off. A Dutch international ministry spokesperson confirmed the nationality of each the pilot and co-pilot and stated it was “in contact with the households and providing consular help”.The names of the 4 who died haven’t been launched however officers are actually working to substantiate their identities.Ch Supt Morgan Cronin from Essex Police stated the victims can be “handled with the utmost respect and dignity”.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has put in place a major air exclusion zone surrounding the crash website.All flights to and from the airport on Monday have been rerouted, with passengers suggested to examine with their airline for recommendation.Aerial video confirmed the airplane crash website and wreckageThe airplane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, based mostly at Lelystad Airport within the Netherlands, which has confirmed it’s “actively supporting the authorities with the investigation”.The plane had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia on Sunday earlier than heading to Southend. It was on account of return to Lelystad on Sunday night.BBC reporter Sofia Bettia has been on the headquarters of Zeusch Aviation – a privately owned firm working 14 plane.”This can be a small airport within the Netherlands, on an island to the east of Amsterdam – and as we speak, it’s virtually abandoned.”We simply noticed airport safety employees decreasing the Dutch flag to half mast on the entrance of the airport.”Zeusch specialises in medical evacuation flights, non-public charters, and aerial filming for numerous occasions.”We have been capable of communicate to a pilot from one other airline. He instructed us he is fearful that one in every of his colleagues could also be among the many victims, as lots of the employees right here know each other.”A timeline of how the sunshine plane crash unfolded at London Southend AirportDetectives and forensic groups are working in parallel with the Air Accidents Investigation Department (AAIB), the Royal Air Power, Essex County Hearth and Rescue Service and London Southend Airport to work out what occurred.Talking on the press convention, Lisa Fitzsimons, a senior inspector on the AAIB, stated it was “too early to invest on what triggered this tragic accident”.”If there are security classes that may be realized, we are going to make suggestions that may goal to stop an analogous accident occurring,” she stated.Eight of its inspectors are actually on the crash website.John Johnson, 40, from Billericay, Essex, witnessed the crash whereas watching planes along with his spouse and youngsters.”You would see [the pilots] smiling and all of us type of smiled again.”It took off in most likely three or 4 seconds. It began to financial institution closely to its left,” he instructed the BBC.Then inside a couple of seconds, “the plane virtually inverted and hit the bottom. There was an enormous fireball,” he stated.Smoke rises at Southend Airport after the airplane crashA London Southend Airport spokesperson stated: “Our ideas are with these affected by [Sunday’s] occasions and all passengers impacted by this disruption.”We are going to restart flight operations as quickly as doable and can proceed to replace the general public on developments.”