Not many plane crashes see passengers belt out songs as the aircraft comes down – but this one did!

In our photo spreads recently we’ve highlighted some of the plane crashes that occurred at Southend Airport in the 1960s.

Today’s brand new photo gallery shows another crash at the airport – this time from June 3, 1971.

Echo: What a win - the Ajax supporters pictured at the airport after their Wembley winWhat a win - the Ajax supporters pictured at the airport after their Wembley win (Image: Newsquest)

The drama involved a Dakota plane that was carrying a group of Dutch football supporters back to Holland.

The group of 31 Ajax fans had chartered the plane so they could watch their side play Greek club Panathinaikos in the European Cup final at Wembley.

Echo: Going home at last - the Ajax fans finally fly home eight hours after the crashGoing home at last - the Ajax fans finally fly home eight hours after the crash (Image: Newsquest)

Ajax won the game 2-0 and the supporters were still celebrating as they made their way back to Southend from London.

When they boarded the plane, however, just after 2am, things started to go wrong.

Echo: Lucky escape - the damage to the Dakota plane can clearly be seen in this photo of the aftermath of the crashLucky escape - the damage to the Dakota plane can clearly be seen in this photo of the aftermath of the crash (Image: Newsquest)

A few minutes after take off the pilot reported a twin engine failure and he had to turn back.

While he circled over Southend Airport fire engines and ambulances stood by on the runway.

As he came in to land the plane overshot the runway and skidded onto the grass into an earth barrier.

Echo: Bon voyage - a plane carrying the crash survivors takes off bound for Amsterdam at lunchtime on June 3Bon voyage - a plane carrying the crash survivors takes off bound for Amsterdam at lunchtime on June 3 (Image: Newsquest)

Two passengers were injured after the plane crashed – with one having to receive hospital treatment for head and abdominal injuries.

The plane was owned by Moorman Air Services, of Amsterdam and as well as the fans, was carrying three crew members.

Echo: Safety - after the crash firemen swamped the fuselage with foam to stop any potential explosionsSafety - after the crash firemen swamped the fuselage with foam to stop any potential explosions (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the drama, the football supporters and the plane’s crew were commended for staying calm. The group were still singing their football song “We shall keep the European cup” as the crash occurred.

Klaas Lann, who organised the trip for the Dutch supporters said: “Everybody was very happy over the result of the game and we were singing and joking when the crash came.

“There was no panic. Everybody got out in the most orderly fashion.”

Echo: Cool, calm and collected - the plan’s crew members pictured after the crashCool, calm and collected - the plan’s crew members pictured after the crash (Image: Newsquest)One of the air hostesses onboard later said: “It was fantastic. They were singing their heads off, despite the danger.”

The Ajax fans eventually returned home on a different plane eight hours later.