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Pilots killed in Southend Airport crash identified

Captain Danny Marco Franken and First Officer Floris Christiaan Rhee died in the tragic incident.

July 24, 2025 at 10:36 AM

Pilots killed in Southend Airport crash are named

The two pilots killed in a recent crash at Southend Airport have been identified.

Two pilots named in fatal Southend Airport crash

Captain Danny Marco Franken and First Officer Floris Christiaan Rhee were tragically killed in a plane crash at Southend Airport, which also claimed the lives of two medical professionals on board. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff on July 13, as the aircraft was en route to the Netherlands following a stop at Pula, Croatia. Eyewitnesses described a distressing scene as the plane nosedived and burst into flames just seconds after departure. Following the crash, Southend Airport was temporarily closed for investigation but has since reopened. The company Zeusch Aviation, which employed the pilots, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of two highly regarded team members, describing them as both skilled and dedicated. A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is currently underway.

Key Takeaways

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Captain Danny Marco Franken and First Officer Floris Christiaan Rhee were confirmed dead in the crash.

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The aircraft was a medical evacuation flight with two medical professionals on board.

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Eyewitnesses reported a shocking nosedive shortly after takeoff.

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Zeusch Aviation expressed its deep sorrow over the pilots' loss.

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The incident underlines ongoing safety concerns within the aviation sector.

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A police investigation is active to determine the cause of the crash.

"Danny and Floris were not only highly skilled pilots, but also greatly valued and popular members of our team."

Marco Rietvelt, managing director of Zeusch Aviation, reflects on the lost lives of the pilots.

"It was like something in an aeroplane disaster movie."

Eyewitness Sunny Cook describes the horrifying scene during the crash.

"His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable."

A representative from the German Red Cross honors Dr Matthias Eyl's dedication to service.

"She taught us to be proud of who we are, to dream, and to love with all our souls."

Family members remember nurse Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz and her impact on their lives.

This tragic accident highlights the inherent dangers associated with aviation, particularly in specialized operations such as medical evacuations. While the aviation industry has made significant strides in safety, incidents like this remind us of the critical risks that pilots face, especially when transporting medical personnel. The emotional toll on the families involved is profound, as they cope with the sudden loss of loved ones who were dedicated to helping others.

Highlights

Tragedy strikes as dedicated pilots lose their lives in a crash
Witness accounts describe a heart-stopping moment just after takeoff
The aviation community mourns the loss of two valued pilots
This accident raises urgent questions about flight safety

Investigation into crash raises safety concerns

This incident raises significant questions about aviation safety standards and protocols, particularly for medical transport flights. Families of the victims and the community may seek accountability and clarity on the circumstances leading to the crash.

The investigation may shed light on the factors that led to this tragedy.

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southend aviation zeusch crash pilot aviation accidents safety

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