A private plane crashed in a commercial district in Northeast Philadelphia in the evening of January 31, 2025, putting everyone in a state of shock. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance chartered the Learjet 55, which took off at approximately 6:30 p.m., for a journey to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. There were six passengers, including a pediatric patient, a mother, two pilots, a doctor, and a paramedic, for a medical reason.
Seconds into its ascent, the aircraft lost contact with radar and crashed near Roosevelt Mall, colliding with several buildings. Witnesses report a massive explosion and thick smoke in the sky. Resident Maria Lopez, who was in the general area, continued,
“I saw the plane descending and heard a big boom. It frightened me.”
All six passengers aboard died in the plane, and several injured persons on the ground, but no specific count of injured persons has been released by authorities. There was widespread damage to nearby buildings and commercial structures, and a rapid response by both the city’s fire and police departments ensued. Emergency workers fought fires through most of the evening and helped injured persons in residences and buildings nearby.
A final, unsettling message overheard in an air traffic tape is:
“F*cking with the wrong people.”
Investigators have not yet been able to interpret its meaning, and it remains a key part of an ongoing investigation, pursued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The plane disappeared off the radar about 30 seconds after taking off, climbing to about 1,650 feet when its sharp fall occurred. At the time, light rain, a thick cloud, and 30-mph wind gusts were present, suspected of contributing to its demise. Officials have not yet ruled out mechanical failure and pilot error as causes of its loss.
Mayor Cherelle extended sympathy to the victims’ families and assured citizens that all applicable resources were being mobilized to respond to its aftermath. Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed state agencies’ intervention in both investigation and response.
Citizens have begun putting up memorials at and near the site of the plane impact, with flowers and candles in honor of lives lost. Community leaders have begun to call for discussions regarding airplane security at Northeast Philadelphia Airport with low-flying departures over residential communities.
