A Jet Rescue Learjet 55 ambulance aircraft crashed violently moments after takeoff from North Philadelphia Airport (PNE/KPNE) on January 31, 2025.
The crash comes just forty-eight hours after the collision between a civilian CRJ-700 and a US Army Blackhawk, raising fresh concerns about aviation safety.
The Bombardier Learjet 55, registered in Mexico as XA-UCI and operating under the call sign Med Jets 56, was completely destroyed upon impact. The aircraft, operated by US medical flight specialist Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was on a medical evacuation mission. The operator, has a history of conducting medical flights across the United States and Canada.
A Learjet 55 Air Ambulance with Jet Rescue explodes, after crashing near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/C01hd7yQ4s
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Tragically, all six people onboard perished in the accident, including the pilot, co-pilot, paramedics, a pediatrician, a young girl receiving medical treatment, and her mother who was accompanying her.
“The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance family extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of the patient, families of our team members, and anyone who was hurt on the ground,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a statement.
Preliminary ADS-B flight data indicates that the aircraft took off from runway 24 at approximately 18:06 local time and climbed to an altitude of 1,650 feet. At 18:06:56, the jet suddenly entered a steep descent, with the last recorded data point showing a descent rate of -11,000 feet per minute and a ground speed of 247 knots before impact.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that severe weather conditions in Philadelphia at the time of the accident may have played a role.
In addition to the six lives lost on board, the crash has resulted in injuries to at least four individuals on the ground. According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, emergency responders are still assessing the extent of the damage, and more victims could be discovered in the coming hours. The Learjet 55 impacted residential homes and vehicles.
The authorities have yet to finalize the human toll, and recovery operations remain ongoing.
