The tranquillity of a Sunday afternoon at London Southend Airport was shattered by tragedy, as a small medical aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, claiming the lives of all four people on board. Among the victims was Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German citizen born in Chile, who was beginning her first day as a flight nurse. The event has left the local community in shock and raised deep concerns about aviation safety and the unpredictable risks faced by dedicated medical professionals.
Who Were the Victims?
Authorities confirmed that the crash resulted in the deaths of three men and one woman, all foreign nationals. The woman, Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, had recently joined the aircraft’s medical team. Her friends and loved ones, along with the broader public, have responded with an outpouring of grief. “She was so excited for this new job,” a friend commented, recalling Maria’s commitment to helping others through healthcare. The remaining victims included two Dutch pilots, who were overseeing the flight, and a male doctor from another European country. All four were part of a crew providing air ambulance and medical evacuation services on behalf of Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch specialist operator.
The Aircraft and Its Mission
The twin-engine Beechcraft King Air B200, the aircraft involved in the crash, is widely used for short-haul business travel and, increasingly, for medical emergencies. On this tragic day, the plane had already completed a mission—reportedly dropping off a patient at Southend Airport—and was returning to its base in the Netherlands. Witness accounts and flight tracking data confirm that the journey was to have continued on to Lelystad in the Netherlands, after recent stops in Athens and Croatia.
How the Crash Happened
Eyewitnesses describe a harrowing sequence of events. After departing the runway at around 4pm, the aircraft veered sharply left just seconds into its ascent. It then appeared to invert before nose-diving “head first” into the ground, creating an explosive fireball visible for miles. Witnesses at the scene, including families and employees at nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club, reported being shocked by the sudden boom and the sight of black smoke billowing from the crash site.
Emergency services responded rapidly. Within minutes, the airport’s own fire crews were joined by teams from Essex Police, East of England Ambulance Service, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. Despite their swift arrival, the scale of the fire and the wreckage left little chance for survival.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The crash left the airport closed to all flights, as air accident investigators began piecing together what went wrong. Essex Police quickly established that all four people on board had died and began work to formally identify the victims and support their families. Police and airport officials appealed for the public to avoid the area, stressing the need for investigators and emergency personnel to work without interruption.
Statements from local leaders expressed the community’s grief. David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said, “My thoughts are with everyone involved.” Southend City Council leaders echoed condolences and underscored the shock felt by residents around the airport.
Investigating the Causes
An official investigation led by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) commenced within hours, joined by aviation safety specialists from both the UK and the Netherlands. Early reports noted that the Beechcraft King Air B200 began to roll left during its initial climb before entering an uncontrollable nosedive into grassy ground near the runway. The causes remain under investigation, with data from the aircraft’s flight recorder, maintenance logs, and pilot records set to play a crucial role in the inquiry.
Zeusch Aviation, the operator, issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming support for the investigation. The Dutch Safety Board also joined the probe, given the nationality of key crew members and the aircraft’s destination.
Wider Impact on Southend and Beyond
The shockwaves from the crash radiated across the region. Southend Airport, an essential hub for 122 EasyJet flights each week and key connections to Paris, Alicante, Faro and Palma de Mallorca, was forced to close while authorities assessed safety and secured the site. Travellers faced cancelled flights and diversions, but the focus remained firmly on the lives lost and the safety of medical and aviation professionals.
Witnesses have described feeling “shaken up,” noting the trauma imposed on families who watched the crash unfold. “We waved at the pilots as they taxied—then saw it turn, lift off and crash almost immediately. There was a big fireball. Everybody was in shock,” recalled one local resident.
Remembering Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz
Much of the public’s attention has focused on Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz. Her story illustrates the risks taken by healthcare workers, especially those in air ambulance services. Colleagues and friends have expressed heartbreak at her loss, highlighting her compassion and dedication to medical care. “She had a giving heart and was humble. She chose a profession that reflected that,” said one friend.
Her death on her first day in a new role has touched many, symbolising both the promise of a life devoted to helping others and the unpredictable risks faced by those who work in emergency services.
