PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The National Transportation Safety Board has released hundreds of pages of investigative material, along with new photographs and videos, connected to the January 2025 medical jet crash in Northeast Philadelphia that ultimately claimed eight lives.
The newly released public docket contains factual information gathered during the investigation into the January 31, 2025 crash of a Learjet 55 near Roosevelt Mall. The material includes surveillance video, photographs of wreckage, investigative records and other evidence.
The Learjet departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport shortly after 6 p.m. on a medical transport flight. The aircraft was carrying a pediatric patient, the child’s mother, two pilots and two medical crew members. The flight was traveling first to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri for a planned stop before continuing toward Tijuana, Mexico.
Approximately one minute after takeoff, the aircraft went down near Cottman Avenue in the heavily populated area surrounding Roosevelt Mall.
All six people aboard the aircraft were killed. Two additional people on the ground ultimately died from injuries connected to the crash, bringing the death toll to eight. More than 20 other people were injured, while homes, vehicles and businesses were damaged by the impact, debris and fires.
New Video Shows Final Moments
Among the newly released evidence are videos captured by doorbell cameras, dash cameras and business surveillance systems.
One video shows the aircraft rapidly descending before a massive explosion. Another angle captured from a fast-food restaurant surveillance camera shows the Learjet descending moments before impact.
The newly released records also show the aircraft had flown from Miami to Philadelphia earlier that day.
According to information contained in the docket, investigators found there was no detailed post-flight inspection after the aircraft arrived in Philadelphia. A walk-around inspection before the next departure lasted approximately one minute and 10 seconds.
Cockpit Recorder Did Not Capture Crash
Investigators previously recovered the Learjet’s cockpit voice recorder about eight feet below the initial impact area, along with the aircraft’s enhanced ground proximity warning system.
However, investigators determined the cockpit voice recorder did not contain audio from the accident flight. Earlier investigative findings indicated the recorder may not have been functioning properly for years.
The NTSB also recovered both engines and transported wreckage to a secure location for further examination.
Operator’s Accident History Examined
The newly released investigative material also examines the history of Med Jets, the aircraft’s operator.
According to information cited from the NTSB docket, the operator had been involved in three previous accidents dating back to 2013, two of which were fatal.
Investigators continue to examine the aircraft, its maintenance and operational history, crew actions, available video and other evidence.
Despite the release of the additional material, the NTSB has not determined what caused the Learjet to crash.
The agency emphasizes that information contained in an investigative docket is factual material and does not represent the NTSB’s final analysis or probable-cause determination.
The NTSB currently lists the Philadelphia investigation, identified as ERA25MA106, as ongoing. A final report is expected to determine the probable cause and any contributing factors.
Photos: Courtesy of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
