Southend plane crash: Second victim named as 'warm and honest' doctor

The second victim of the horror plane crash at Southend Airport yesterday has been identified.

The names of the passengers have not been officially revealed by authorities, but Essex Police yesterday confirmed two pilots and two passengers on board the medical transport plane had been killed.

Dr Mathias Eyl, 46, was one of the four onboard a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, according to Essex Live.

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The doctor and the three other victims were foreign nationals, and it's understood there were two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse on board.

The plane had dropped off a patient in Southend and was taking off on its return flight to The Netherlands when the plane came down before it could even leave the airport. A huge fireball erupted, with images of thick plumes of acrid smoke seen snaking into the skies being shared on social media.

Southend Airport said it will remain closed until further notice.

Dr Eyl, 46, is reportedly from the Kleinmaischeid municipality in Germany. He was described as “a doctor, companion and friend” in a social media tribute translated into English. It added: “With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community.

“He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged. Exactly when it came down to it. His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable.”

Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said “it is too early to speculate” on what may have caused the crash. Essex Police said the aircraft "got into difficulty" shortly after take-off at around 4pm on Sunday, crashing within the airport boundary.

"If there are safety lessons to be learned, we will make recommendations that aim to prevent a similar accident occurring," Ms Fitzsimons said. They added: "Our focus is on getting physical evidence from the site and interviewing witnesses. Our thoughts are with families and friends of everyone involved."

A spokesperson for Zeusch Aviation previously said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

"Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected. Further updates will be shared as new information becomes available."

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