Latest news with #AirAccidentsInvestigationBranch
BBC News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Aston Down glider crashed 'after pilot confused controls'
A light aircraft crashed after a pilot inadvertently accelerated on descent, an investigation has people were travelling in the Grob G109B motor glider when it struck a road near Stroud in Gloucestershire in August last year, causing both to need hospital treatment. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now revealed that an experienced glider pilot had confused the control column for the air brake handle. This caused a "rapid pitch down from approximately 100ft (30m) above ground level", the branch said, adding: "Neither of those aboard was able to take corrective action in the short time available." The pilot, investigators said, was sitting in the passenger seat on the right of the glider, with the airbrake handle on their right and the control column on their left. This arrangement was the reverse of what the pilot was used to, the investigation found. As the glider came in to land at Aston Down Airfield, it hit trees adjacent to the A419 in Frampton Mansell before coming to rest on the report concluded the incident happened as a result of lack of experience of flying that particular the second person on the glider suffered minor injuries, the pilot was seriously injured and the incident led to the A419 being closed for several aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair.
ITV News
15-07-2025
- ITV News
Nurse Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz who died in Southend plane crash 'was on first day in job'
A nurse who was among four people killed in a plane crash in Southend was on her first day in the job. Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, was on board the private medical jet that went down in flames after shortly after take-off on Sunday. Originally from Chile, Ms Ortiz was a German national, and is believed to have been on her first day on the job, according to reports. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family to help with the costs of repatriation and funeral services. Organiser Julia Estaben wrote on the fundraising page: "The death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident is still under investigation by the authorities. "In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organize ourselves to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses - transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to give her a proper send-off." The medical transport plane bound for the Netherlands crashed at around 3.48pm. According to a document that lists passengers, Ms Ortiz was on board along with two Dutch pilots, who also died. It is believed the fourth passenger was another nurse. The team had dropped off a patient in Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: "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.'Witnesses told of seeing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it was "too early to speculate' on what may have caused the crash. London Southend Airport remains closed on Tuesday.
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Four foreign nationals die in Southend Airport plane crash
Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands. It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. Witnesses told of seeing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family. In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands. 'Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary. 'Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died. 'We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.' The airport will stay closed until further notice. Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: 'Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.' Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said 'it is too early to speculate' on what may have caused the crash. Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the four people killed in the plane crash. In a message on X the Prime Minister said: 'Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. 'I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.' John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a 'big fireball' after the plane crashed 'head first into the ground'. Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, told PA that before the plane took off, 'we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us'. He added: '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. '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.'
North Wales Chronicle
14-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Four foreign nationals die in Southend Airport plane crash
The medical transport plane bound for the Netherlands crashed at around 3.48pm on Sunday. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands. It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. Witnesses told of seeing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands. 'Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary. 'Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died. 'We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.' The airport will stay closed until further notice. Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: 'Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.' Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said 'it is too early to speculate' on what may have caused the crash. John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a 'big fireball' after the plane crashed 'head first into the ground'. Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, told PA that before the plane took off, 'we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us'. He added: '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. '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.'
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
Prime Minister pays tribute as four dead after tragic crash at Southend Airport
PRIME Minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to four people killed in a plane crash at Southend Airport. Four people, including two pilots and two medical staff, onboard the medical plane bound for the Netherlands died at the scene after the horror crash yesterday afternoon. All four were foreign nationals, with the flight heading back to its base after dropping a patient off at Southend. Southend Airport was closed in the immediate aftermath and will remain 'closed until further notice' while Essex Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch carry out parallel investigations into the major incident. Following the news of their tragic deaths, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the victims of the plane crash. Read more Southend Airport to stay closed 'until further notice' as four dead after crash Patient 'dropped off' before fatal plane crash near Southend Airport Four confirmed dead after tragic plane crash at Southend Airport Air accident investigators issue statement after horror crash at Southend Airport In a message on X, formerly Twitter, the Prime Minister said: 'Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. 'I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.' Essex Police are working to officially confirm the identities of the four who tragically died after the crash. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands. The aircraft was operated by Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, and used for medical flights to transport patients or organs. The plane had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia on Sunday before heading to Southend. It was scheduled to return to Lelystad on Sunday night when it crashed shortly after take-off. Witnesses told of seeing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. Also paying tribute, Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, said: "It brings me profound sadness to know that four people have lost their lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones, as well as those across the community who share in their grief. "I want to recognise the swift response of the emergency services and the team at London Southend Airport, whose professionalism and courage in moments like these does not go unnoticed. As they, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch, complete their work, it is important that we continue to give them the space and time needed to do so. "Details of memorial events will be finalised in the coming days for residents to pay their respects."
