Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Beechcraft King Air 200, 250, and 260 Series

Charles Alcock

London Southend Airport (EGMC) remained closed on Monday morning after a Beechcraft King Air B200 crashed while taking off on Sunday afternoon. Dutch charter operator Zeusch Aviation confirmed that its aircraft, PH-ZAZ, had been involved in the accident and that it is supporting the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch and local emergency services.
On Monday afternoon, local police confirmed that all four people on board the aircraft had been killed. In a statement issued almost 24 hours after the accident, officers said they were still trying to confirm their identities, indicating that all were "foreign nationals."
The King Air crashed close to the airport perimeter and was engulfed in flames after takeoff from Runway 05. Media reports cited witnesses saying the aircraft banked to the left within seconds of takeoff in visual meteorological conditions.
According to data from Flightradar24, flight SUZ1 had flown to Southend from Pula Airport (LDPL) in Croatia, arriving 57 minutes before taking off to fly to its base at Lelystad Airport (EHLE) in the Netherlands. On Sunday morning, the B200 had flown from Greece’s Athens International Airport (LGAV), logging sectors of 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 5 minutes, with around a 90-minute ground stop in Pula.
Zeusch Aviation operates B200 and King Air C90A twin turboprops, mainly for emergency medical flights and other utility missions. According to the company, PH-ZAZ was built in 1994, and its Pratt &amp; Whitney PT6-42 engines had last been overhauled in 2020. It was equipped with BLR winglets and Raisbeck modifications, including the Ram Air Recovery System, dual aft body strakes, and enhanced performance leading edges.
Last week, the operator announced a partnership with Dovetail Electric Aviation to develop a plan to retrofit its King Airs with a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-07-10/king-air-operator-plans-hybrid-electric-conversion">hybrid-electric propulsion system</a>.
The European Business Aviation Association issued a statement expressing support for the King Air crew and their families. Zeusch Aviation is a member of the group, and EBAA COO Robert Balthus is set to join the company’s management team.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

King Air Charter Flight Crashes on Takeoff at UK’s London Southend Airport 

London-area airport remained closed on Monday after Sunday afternoon accident

Officials have not released details about those onboard Zeusch Aviation’s King Air B200 aircraft that crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday.

King Air Crashes on Takeoff from UK’s Southend Airport 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

CVR data overwritten before investigators could review it

Cabin Attendant Injured after CL300 Autopilot Disengaged

Gordon Gilbert

18 fatal turbine business aircraft accidents worldwide claimed 81 passengers and crewmembers

Bizjet Accident Fatalities Soar in First Half of 2025

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

The father of one of the pilots who died in the crash wants something positive to come from the tragedy

Tim Lilley: Fixing What Caused the DCA Midair Collision

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, July 2025

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: July 2025

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

In this article

King Air 200 Series

Hawker Beechcraft

Textron Aviation

More In Accidents

Cabin Attendant Injured after CL300 Autopilot Disengaged

CVR data overwritten before investigators could review it

Bizjet Accident Fatalities Soar in First Half of 2025

18 fatal turbine business aircraft accidents worldwide claimed 81 passengers and crewmembers

Tim Lilley: Fixing What Caused the DCA Midair Collision

The father of one of the pilots who died in the crash wants something positive to come from the tragedy

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: July 2025

Preliminary and final accident reports, July 2025

NTSB Faults Boeing Training in 2024 Max 9 Door Failure

FAA also faulted for failure to monitor Boeing’s SMS

Error in Speed, Distance Caused 2023 HondaJet Excursion

Pilot and passengers escaped without injuries

Spatial Disorientation Led to PC-12 In-flight Breakup

Risk assessment and oversight found insufficient

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: June 2025

Preliminary and final accident reports, June 2025

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN