Southend Airport plane crash: Witness describes 'corkscrew' descent before fiery end

A father who was watching planes with his daughter at Southend Airport has recounted the terrifying moment they saw a light aircraft 'violently' crash after takeoff, emitting a huge fireball.

Ben Guppy, 34, had taken his 15-month-old daughter to observe the planes taking off and landing at the airport, but what should have been an enjoyable day out turned into a nightmare when they witnessed a horrific plane crash.

The family from Benfleet, Essex, were observing the planes from the bar and restaurant on the fifth floor of a nearby Holiday Inn when the tragic crash unfolded before their eyes.

Just before 4pm yesterday, a small plane, reported to be a medijet carrying medical equipment, was heading to the Netherlands but only reached 175ft before crashing yards from the runway.

Mr Guppy, a wholesale director, described how the crowd in the bar began screaming as they realised what had happened. He said: "I just looked around like "Am I dreaming?.

"I turned to my wife Jess, who had her hands over her face. She was pretty much in tears. She's still pretty upset about it all."

It is unclear how many people were onboard the plane at the time, but it is thought to be able to carry up to 12 passengers.

According to MailOnline, Mr Guppy said he saw the plane reach 'probably 50 metres off the runway' before the plane began tilting left. He said: "My daughter was pointing at it and then it listed to the left. The left wing came down, the right wing came up, I thought 'He's keen to go left as soon as he takes off.'

The eyewitness recounted the horrifying moment an aircraft crashed, telling reporters: "He's banking hard left and then the next thing you know, it's like another handbrake turn. He went left so violently and I thought 'What is he doing?' He was only about 100 metres up by this point.

"My daughter was pointing at it and then it listed to the left. The left wing came down, the ring wing came up.

"And then he corkscrewed upside down into the floor, the plane was only in the air for seconds. I looked at it and the fireball went up, there was fire and smoke everywhere. Luckily my daughter was facing the other way."

The witness mentioned they were approximately 500 metres away, witnessing the crash from the fifth floor, feeling helpless in the situation and decided: "We decided to get our daughter out of there.

"Driving home I did have a lump in my throat and goosebumps. Everyone was pulled over at the side of the road watching the smoke."

An airport spokesman said in a statement on Sunday night: "Due to a serious incident today at London Southend Airport, we regret to advise that the airport is closed until further notice. All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident.

"We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday, July 14) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice.

"We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments."

Essex Police, ambulance services and fire brigades were all present at the scene, with a dedicated phone line established for any queries or information.

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin has encouraged the public to ring 0800 0961011, while those calling from abroad should dial 0207 1580126, and a Major Incident Public Portal is also accessible.

The Chief Superintendent said: "In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex.

"Please help us keep our emergency lines open by using these specific channels if you're contacting us about this incident.

"We are working closely with all at the scene, as well as the Air Accident Investigation Branch, to establish what has happened today and why.

"I fully appreciate the desire for more information in this matter, and we will share as much as we can, when we can, throughout our work.

"But it is vital for all involved that this investigation is carried out thoroughly and correctly, and to do that we will all need time."