2025 Philadelphia Learjet crash

Med Jets Flight 056
A CCTV still of a fireball rising from the crash site
Accident
DateJanuary 31, 2025 (2025-01-31)
SummaryCrashed shortly after takeoff, under investigation
SiteCastor Gardens, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
40°02′51″N 75°03′30″W / 40.047461°N 75.058429°W / 40.047461; -75.058429
Total fatalities7
Total injuries24
Aircraft

XA-UCI, the aircraft involved in the accident, photographed in December 2024
Aircraft typeLearjet 55
OperatorJet Rescue Air Ambulance[1]
ICAO flight No.MTS056
Call signMED SERVICE 056
RegistrationXA-UCI
Flight originNortheast Philadelphia Airport, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
StopoverSpringfield–Branson National Airport, Springfield, Missouri, United States
DestinationTijuana International Airport, Tijuana, Mexico
Occupants6
Passengers2
Crew4
Fatalities6
Injuries0
Survivors0
Ground casualties
Ground fatalities1
Ground injuries24

On January 31, 2025, shortly after 6:00 p.m. EST (23:00 UTC), a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance performing a medevac flight from Northeast Philadelphia Airport to Tijuana International Airport with a stop at Springfield–Branson National Airport crashed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Background

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statement reported that a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance had recently departed from the Northeast Philadelphia Airport prior to the crash, en route to Springfield–Branson National Airport northwest of Springfield in Greene County, Missouri. The aircraft departed at 6:06 p.m.

Local weather data recorded by the National Weather Service indicated the presence of light rain, overcast and foggy conditions, and a 30 mph (48 km/h) wind gust recorded just prior to 6 p.m. in Philadelphia.[2]

Investigation

The FAA has announced that it would investigate the crash, with the lead of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB stated that an investigator had arrived on January 31 and more officials would arrive on February 1.[3]

Former NTSB investigator Alan Diehl said possible causes of the crash include the maintenance of the Learjet or the experience of the crew.[4]

References

  1. Robles, Carlos (January 31, 2025). "Plane crashes in Philadelphia; homes and vehicles ignited in flames". BNO News. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  2. Romero, Dennis (2025-02-01). "Plane crashes near mall in Philadelphia". NBC News. Retrieved 2025-02-01.
  3. Sisak, Michael R.; Rourke, Matt (February 1, 2025). "Plane with at least 2 aboard crashes in Philadelphia, setting homes ablaze and unleashing a fireball". AP News. Archived from the original on February 1, 2025. Retrieved February 1, 2025.
  4. "Expert questions medical jet's maintenance after Philly crash". Fox News. February 1, 2025. Retrieved February 1, 2025.

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