The NTSB has issued its preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the January crash of a Learjet 55 airplane in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The report has revealed that the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) had been inoperative. It had likely not been recording audio for several years prior to the accident.
January 31 Accident Philadelphia
On January 31, 2025, at 1807 EST, a Learjet 55, Mexican registration XA-UCI, operating as air ambulance flight MTS056, was destroyed following an accident near Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE).
The aircraft impacted a residential and commercial area shortly after takeoff. The accident resulted in the deaths of the two pilots, two medical crew members, and two passengers.
Additionally, one individual on the ground sustained fatal injuries, four were seriously injured, and twenty received minor injuries.
Flight Profile and Accident Sequence
The aircraft departed PNE runway 24 at approximately 1806 EST, with an intended destination of Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).
Preliminary ADS-B flight track data indicates a southwest departure followed by a slight right turn, subsequently transitioning into a gradual left turn.
The aircraft reached a peak altitude of 1,650 feet MSL (airport elevation 119 feet MSL). The final recorded ADS-B data point, at 1807 EST, showed an altitude of 1,275 feet MSL and a ground speed of 242 knots. The total flight duration was approximately one minute.
Communication was maintained with PNE air traffic control tower; no distress calls were received from the flight crew before the Learjet crash.
The initial impact occurred on a concrete sidewalk in a residential and commercial area. Security camera footage captured a significant explosion upon initial impact.
The wreckage debris field measured approximately 1,410 feet in length and 840 feet in width. It was oriented on a magnetic heading of approximately 150 degrees from the airport.
Evidence indicates an impact with a commercial sign during the descent, yielding a calculated descent angle of approximately 22 degrees.
The impact highly fragmented the wreckage, and debris penetrated numerous structures and vehicles, causing extensive fire and impact damage.
Recorder Information
The aircraft was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR). Investigators recovered the CVR from the initial impact crater and transported it to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for processing.
The unit exhibited significant impact damage and liquid ingress. Investigators extensively repaired and cleaned the unit, and then auditioned the 30-minute tape-based recording.
Analysis revealed the CVR had likely not been recording audio for an extended period, precluding the recovery of accident-related audio data.
The aircraft also carried an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). Investigators forwarded the EGPWS computer, potentially containing nonvolatile flight data, to the manufacturer for evaluation. This evaluation is ongoing.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the Learjet 55 Philadelphia crash, PNE reported night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), including an overcast ceiling at 400 feet above ground level, winds from 220 degrees at 9 knots, and 6 statute miles visibility.
Personnel Information
The pilot-in-command held an airline transport pilot certificate with multiengine land and instrument airplane ratings, and a medical certificate issued by Mexico’s Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC). The operator reported 9,200 total flight hours.
The second-in-command pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument privileges, and an AFAC medical certificate. The operator reported 2,600 total flight hours.
Both pilots held a type rating for the Learjet 55.
A final report will be provided by the NTSB in due course. The full preliminary report can be accessed here.
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