UK investigators probe limited clues in fatal Zeusch King Air crash at Southend
Fire and lack of recorder data left little evidence after loss of control at London Southend. UK investigators are still trying to determine the reasons behind the fatal loss of control involving a Zeusch Aviation Beechcraft B200 Super King Air at London Southend a year ago . The aircraft yawed slightly to the left just before rotating from runway 05, and then deviated "immediately" to the left of the centreline as it became airborne, says the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch. It reached 70-80ft in height in a climbing left turn, its heading changing by 90°, before it descended and crashed within the airport perimeter. The inquiry says the flightpath has been established through a combination of ADS-B data, surveillance camera footage, and video from witnesses. But the aircraft was not required to carry a cockpit-voice or flight-data recorder, and the airframe was substantially damaged by the impact and post-crash fire. This meant "only limited physical evidence" remained, says the inquiry in an update on the 13 July 2025 accident. "Detailed examination of the aircraft and its components, while limited to some extent by the damage sustained, has been conducted in co-ordination with the relevant manufacturers," it adds. None of the four occupants survived the crash. "The investigation has focused on understanding the factors which contributed to the loss of control," says the inquiry in an update. "It is examining relevant technical, operational, human and organisational factors to determine if these aspects contributed to the accident." Bearing the Dutch registration PH-ZAZ, the aircraft had been bound for Lelystad in the Netherlands.
