The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released new details following the devastating Learjet 55 crash that occurred near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia on January 31, 2025. The incident claimed the lives of at least seven people and left 22 others injured.
The plane, a medevac aircraft, had just departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was en route to Missouri for a refueling stop before continuing to Mexico. Among the passengers was a young Mexican girl returning home after receiving life-saving medical treatment in the U.S., accompanied by her mother. In total, six people were on board, including four crew members. Tragically, one of the fatalities was a person in a car struck during the crash.
Key Developments from the NTSB Investigation
The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), found eight feet below the initial impact site. This device, critical for understanding the final moments before the crash, will be analyzed at the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Additionally, investigators retrieved the aircraft’s enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), which may contain valuable flight data.
Drone footage and images from the scene reveal a massive debris field, abandoned vehicles, and a crater-sized hole where the plane impacted. Officials described the crash site as eerily desolate, with ash-covered debris scattered across the area.
Both engines have also been recovered and will undergo thorough examination. The wreckage is being transported to a secure facility in Delaware for further investigation.
Casualties and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that five of the injured remain hospitalized, with three in critical condition. Out of respect for the victims’ families, their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
Emergency responders managed to control fires that erupted following the crash, despite the aircraft being heavily loaded with jet fuel. Jet Air Ambulance spokesperson Shai Gold noted that the pilot and co-pilot were both seasoned professionals, emphasizing the company’s rigorous safety protocols and high mission frequency.
Next Steps
The NTSB will continue analyzing the CVR and EGPWS data to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are focusing on potential mechanical failures, pilot actions, and environmental factors.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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