Tragic Learjet Crash in Philadelphia Claims 7 Lives, Sparks Safety Concerns
March 6, 2025
A tragic crash involving a Learjet 55 shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport resulted in the deaths of all six people aboard and one person on the ground, with at least two dozen others injured.
The Learjet took off at 6:06 p.m. and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it encountered trouble shortly after takeoff, reaching a peak altitude of 1,650 feet before descending.
Surveillance footage captured the moment of impact, showing the plane plummeting to the ground less than three miles from the airport.
The flight crew communicated with air traffic control before the crash, but communication ceased shortly after takeoff when the crew failed to switch frequencies as required.
At the time of the crash, instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, with overcast skies at 400 feet and visibility of six statute miles, which may have contributed to the incident.
Both pilots held appropriate certificates for operating the aircraft, with the pilot-in-command having 9,200 hours of flight experience and the co-pilot with 2,600 hours.
The NTSB noted that the plane was equipped with an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), which is currently under evaluation as part of the investigation.
Former NTSB Chairman Jim Hall expressed concern over the lack of a functioning cockpit voice recorder, emphasizing its importance for understanding the crash's causes.
Several victims on the ground have engaged lawyers for potential lawsuits, including a man severely burned when his vehicle was engulfed in jet fuel from the crash.
A memorial has been established near the crash site to honor the victims, with a total of 366 properties affected, including four homes that were destroyed.
Among the deceased was 11-year-old Valentina Guzmán Murillo, who was being transported home to Mexico after receiving medical treatment, along with her mother.
This crash occurred just two days after a separate midair collision in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about aviation safety.
Summary based on 16 sources
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Sources

CBS Philadelphia • Mar 6, 2025
Philadelphia plane crash NTSB report finds cockpit voice recorder didn't record flight