Fatal Accident (6 onboard – 1 on ground) Learjet 55, XA-UCI, Cottman Ave. near North Philadelphia Airport (PNE/KPNE), January 31, 2025
Aviation Safety X Report |
The investigation into the Learjet 55 crash near Northeast Philadelphia Airport on January 31, 2025, reveals significant details about the incident. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was a medevac flight bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. Registered as XA-UCI, the 43-year-old Learjet 55 carried six people, including two pilots, a child patient, an escort, and two medical personnel. The flight departed at 6:06 PM local time, and within a minute, it disappeared from radar and crashed less than three miles from the airport, in the densely populated Rhawnhurst neighborhood. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of 1,650 feet before abruptly entering a steep descent at a rate exceeding 11,000 feet per minute. It struck the ground near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue, close to Roosevelt Mall. The resulting explosion set several homes and vehicles ablaze, creating a chaotic scene. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing a plume of black smoke rising from the crash site. Some described the impact as feeling like a small earthquake. Weather conditions at the time were challenging, with overcast skies at 400 feet, light rain, and mist, reducing visibility to about six miles. The aircraft’s last recorded position indicated that it experienced severe instability shortly after takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation, focusing on flight data, weather conditions, and the jet’s mechanical integrity. The response from local authorities was swift, with hundreds of firefighters and first responders deployed to contain the fire and secure the area. A large perimeter was established to keep residents safe while investigators combed through the debris. No injuries to individuals on the ground were reported, but the crash caused significant damage to nearby properties, prompting temporary evacuations. The aircraft, configured as a medical transport jet, was well-known for its operations in critical air ambulance missions, including high-profile medical evacuations in the past. Initial data from ADS-B tracking and other flight systems indicate possible mechanical failure or spatial disorientation due to the poor weather conditions, though the exact cause remains undetermined at this stage. Investigators are examining the maintenance records of the 43-year-old Learjet, as aging aircraft often require more rigorous inspections to ensure airworthiness. Preliminary findings suggest that no distress call was made by the pilots, indicating the possibility of a sudden and catastrophic failure. Eyewitness accounts and video footage are also being analyzed for additional clues. The crash has drawn attention to the regulations surrounding medevac flights and the potential risks of operating older aircraft in adverse weather conditions. Both the FAA and NTSB have stressed the importance of rigorous compliance with safety protocols and are expected to issue updated recommendations based on their findings. As the investigation continues, the families of those onboard and the affected community are receiving support from local authorities and the operator, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. This incident underscores the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for ongoing vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future. |
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Accident Location: Cottman Ave. near North Philadelphia Airport (PNE/KPNE), Philadelphia, PA 40° 2’47.14″N 75° 3’27.49″W |
Registration: 🇲🇽 Mexico
XA-UCI
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Year of Manufacture
2004
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Serial Number
55-032
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