What happened
On January 31, 2025, at 18:07 EST, a Learjet 55, operating under Mexican registration XA-UCI, crashed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The aircraft was operating as a Part 129 air ambulance flight, traveling from Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) to Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) in Missouri.
According to FAA ADS-B flight track data, the aircraft departed runway 2CO at approximately 18:06. After an initial southwest heading, the aircraft performed a slight right turn followed by a gradual left turn. During the descent, the aircraft struck a commercial sign at an angle of approximately 22 degrees. The aircraft then impacted a concrete sidewalk in a residential and commercial district, triggering a large explosion. The resulting debris field measured approximately 1,410 feet in length and 840 feet in width. Wreckage penetrated several homes, vehicles, and commercial buildings, causing extensive fire and impact damage.
The accident resulted in 6 fatal injuries among the occupants of the aircraft, which included two pilots, two medical crewmembers, and two passengers. Additionally, 1 fatal injury occurred to a person on the ground. The crash also caused 4 serious injuries and 20 minor injuries to others in the area.
At the time of the accident, the weather at PNE consisted of night conditions and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), with an overcast ceiling at 400 feet, visibility of 6 statute miles, and winds from 220 degrees at 9 knots.
The investigation
The aircraft was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which was recovered from an impact crater under 8 feet of soil and debris. Following cleaning and repair due to liquid ingress and impact damage, investigators determined the CVR had likely not been recording audio for several years and did not capture the accident flight.
Investigators also sent the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) computer to the manufacturer for evaluation to attempt recovery of flight data from its nonvolatile memory. The wreckage was retained for further examination.