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A Mexican-registered Learjet 55, registered as XA-UCI, crashed near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard just after 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Flight data shows the aircraft took off at 23:06 UTC, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,650 feet at 23:06:54. The final recorded message from the aircraft indicated a vertical descent rate of -11,008 feet per minute before impact.
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance had a total of six passengers, including two pilots, two doctors, a Pediatric patient, and her mom, according to the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation and Shriners Children's Philadelphia. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, the FAA said in a statement.
**UPDATE: The pilots and doctors have been identified. Click here to read our full report!**
A spokesperson for the hospital released the following statement:
"Shriners Children’s is heartbroken to confirm that one of our pediatric patients and the child’s mother were aboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Philadelphia this evening. The patient had received care from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and was being transported back to her home country in Mexico on a contracted air ambulance when the crash happened. Because of patient privacy concerns, we cannot say any more about the patient and her family at this time.Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event - as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground - and we’re thankful to the first responders for their quick action."
Six people who were on the ground during the crash were also hospitalized. Three of the victims remain at Temple University Hospital's Jeanes Campus while three others were released.
Fire officials confirmed that multiple homes caught fire following the crash, prompting a massive emergency response. Philadelphia police and firefighters remain at the scene.
"Shelter is available for anyone who needs it at Samuel Fels High School at 5500 Langdon Street," Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash, with the NTSB leading the inquiry. The FAA will post a preliminary accident/incident report on its website within the next business day.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
The governor released a statement on X:
"I’ve spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept. We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available."
This is a developing story, so check back here for updates.
This crash comes two days after another small plane crash over the Potomac River killed 67 people. Click here for our full report.
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