Latest news with #BeechB200SuperKingAir
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Captain of doomed plane that crashed at Southend Airport and first officer, 24, are pictured as airline pays tribute
THE captain of the plane that crashed at Southend Airport and killed four people has been named and pictured for the first time. The small medical aircraft corkscrewed in the air shortly after taking off from the London airport before 6 Captain Danny Marko Franken has been named and pictured 6 First Officer Floris Christian Rhee also died 6 The Beech B200 was set to travel to the Netherlands Credit: UKNIP 6 The remains of the plane following the crash Credit: Unpixs Now, it has been reported that Captain Danny Franken, 53, and first officer Floris Rhee, 24, were Mr Franken, from Harderwijk, was married with two children and also worked as a first officer for KLM on Boeing 777, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. He was described by his family in an obituary notice as a "dearest husband, cheerful caring father, wonderful son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle". The other two people onboard the plane - a female nurse and a male doctor - also died in the crash. Read More in UK News The nurse was named in reports as 31-year-old Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German national originally from Chile, and the doctor was named as German national Dr Matthias Eyl, 46. It was also revealed she was on her first day as a 'flight nurse', according to her close friend. The UK was rocked by the tragic air disaster on July 13 after footage showed the Beech B200 Super King Air crashing. The plane was heading for Lelystad in the Netherlands, with an estimated departure time of 3.45pm. Most read in The Sun The plane was returning to its base having transported a patient into the UK for treatment when tragedy struck. Footage showed fire and black smoke billowing into the air from the crash site, while witnesses described seeing the jet "corkscrew" before erupting into a ball of flames. Plane crashes and overturns on runway at UK airport after 'pilot error' as man, 84, and woman, 78, rushed to hospital Southend Airport was closed following the incident so investigations could be carried out, before reopening on July 17. Those inquiries have been ongoing, according to the Air Accident Investigation Branch. The plane was operated by the Netherlands-based Zeusch Aviation. Marco Rietvelt, managing director of Zeusch Aviation, said: "Danny and Floris were not only highly skilled pilots, but also greatly valued and popular members of our team. "Their passion for flying was matched by their dedication to their colleagues and the important missions they carried out. "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. "Our priority is to support the families of those lost, as well as our employees, during this incredibly difficult time. "We are also fully committed to assisting the authorities in their ongoing investigation." Essex Police said two days after the tragedy on July 15 that three bodies had been recovered from the crash site. The next day, a fourth body was recovered. Cops have been investigating with the airline, airport, Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Royal Air Force and Essex Fire and Rescue Service. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously paid tribute to emergency responders and the four victims, tweeting: "My thoughts are with their families and loved ones." 6 Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, was previously named as a victim of the deadly plane crash in Southend Credit: Go Fund Me 6 A plume of black smoke rises from an area near the runway after a small plane crash Credit: Reuters
The Independent
15-07-2025
- The Independent
Southend plane crash: Everything we know as victims named and airport closed
Southend Airport remains closed after a small aircraft crashed close to the runway and burst into flames, killing four people. Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile, was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down in an explosion after take-off on Sunday afternoon (13 July). A Dutch pilot and co-pilot, along with one other person, were also on the Beech B200 Super King Air, operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations.
Sunday World
15-07-2025
- General
- Sunday World
‘Beloved' nurse killed in London airport explosion was on first day of new job
Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz (31) was among the four people killed in the plane crash. Four people died in the plane crash at London Southend Airport on Sunday, the PA news agency understands (Joe Giddens/PA) A Chilean-born nurse has been named as among the four people who were killed in a plane crash at London Southend Airport. Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz (31), a German citizen born in Chile, was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down after take-off on Sunday afternoon. A Dutch pilot and co-pilot, along with one other person, were also on the Beech B200 Super King Air, operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations. Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz (31). News in 90 Seconds - Monday July 14th A friend of Ms Ortiz, called Anna Smith, told the BBC it had been her first day as a flight nurse, having previously worked as a nurse in the public sector. 'She was so excited for this new job,' she said. She added: "She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that. It is understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend, and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has started an investigation with inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data already dispatched to the crash site. The airport remains closed.
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Tragic nurse killed in Southend Airport plane crash was on first day of new job
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz was on her first day aboard a private medical jet when it spiralled off the runway and nose-dived into the ground after taking off at Southend Airport. A nurse killed in a horror plane crash at a UK airport was on her first day on the job, it has been revealed. Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is believed to have been on the Beech B200 Super King Air when it nose-dived off the runway at Southend Airport, Essex, yesterday. Friends today have confirmed she was a foreign national and married her partner last year, reports the Mirror. A pal said: "They were married last year. It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone but this was her first day in the job. The firm that owns the plane says there were no survivors." The friend added: "Her wife can barely speak, she can't even call the police, she's beside herself. She's absolutely distraught." A GoFundMe page set up in Maria's memory has already begun raising cash to support her shattered family. The heartbreaking post said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still being investigated by the authorities. We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life. In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organise to support her family. "This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to say a proper goodbye. "We are starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña. The idea is to raise funds that will then be delivered directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary. "We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used. "Thank you so much for being there, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days. We hug everyone who loved her and we'll stay in touch to support each other and organise. We love you, Feña." Police have still to release details of those who died in the crash but on Monday confirmed that all four passengers were killed. Chief Supt Morgan Cronin said the victims were all believed to be foreign nationals and work is taking place to confirm their identities. "Those who have passed away will be treated with the utmost care and dignity," he added. Flight tracking data showed the plane which was heading for Lelystad in the Netherlands attempted take-off at around 3.45pm before it suddenly veered and crashed. Shocking footage shows golfers at nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club running towards the burning wreckage minutes later. Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, confirmed its SUZ1 flight had been "involved in an accident". In a statement said the company was "actively supporting the authorities with the investigation", adding: "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected." A statement from the airport added: "All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident. We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice." It comes after reports of the pilots having "waved to kids" at the airport moments before the horror crash. Online flight trackers showed the plane taxiing as it prepared to lift off before veering off the runway. Witnesses described seeing a "huge fireball" at around 4pm. One eye witness wrote on X: "Just witnessed a Beechcraft crash on take-off at Southend airport about 40 minutes after a Cessna also left the runway. Thoughts are with those on the aircraft. "Absolutely tragic. Was waving to the aircrew just moments before." John Johnson, who witnessed the crash with his family, said: "We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! "It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. All the kids saw it and the families saw it. I phoned 999, reported it." He added: "I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them."
Irish Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Newlywed nurse killed in UK plane crash was on first day of new job
A nurse aboard a private medical jet when it crashed and erupted into a fireball as it was taking off was on her first day on the job, Mirror UK has been told. Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is thought to have been on the Beech B200 Super King Air when it nose-dived off the runway at Southend Airport, Essex, yesterday. Friends today said she was a foreign national and married her partner last year. A pal said: "They were married last year. It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone but this was her first day in the job. The firm that owns the plane says there were no survivors." The friend added: "Her wife can barely speak, she can't even call the police, she's beside herself. She's absolutely distraught." And on a GoFundMe page set up to raise cash for Maria's family, friends wrote in Spanish: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still being investigated by the authorities. We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life. In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organise to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to say a proper goodbye. "We are starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña. The idea is to raise funds that will then be delivered directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary. We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used. "Thank you so much for being there, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days. We hug everyone who loved her and we'll stay in touch to support each other and organise. We love you, Feña." Police have yet to release details of those who died in the crash but today confirmed that all four passengers were killed. Chief Supt Morgan Cronin said the victims were all believed to be foreign nationals and work is taking place to confirm their identities. "Those who have passed away will be treated with the utmost care and dignity," he added. The twin-engined turboprop plane - which can carry around 12 people - was heading for Lelystad in the Netherlands, with an estimated departure time of 3.45pm. Dramatic footage shows golfers at nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club running towards the burning wreckage minutes later. Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, confirmed its SUZ1 flight had been "involved in an accident". In a statement said the company was "actively supporting the authorities with the investigation", adding: "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected." A statement from the airport added: "All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident. We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice." It comes after reports of the pilots having "waved to kids" at the airport moments before the horror crash. Online flight trackers showed the plane taxiing as it prepared to lift off before veering off the runway. Witnesses described seeing a "huge fireball" at around 4pm. One eye witness wrote on X: "Just witnessed a Beechcraft crash on take-off at Southend airport about 40 minutes after a Cessna also left the runway. Thoughts are with those on the aircraft. "Absolutely tragic. Was waving to the aircrew just moments before." John Johnson, who witnessed the crash with his family, said: "We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway. "It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. All the kids saw it and the families saw it. I phoned 999, reported it." He added: "I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them."
