Janice R. Andrews
Philadelphia, PA — Tragedy struck Philadelphia on Friday evening when a small medical transport jet crashed, claiming seven lives, including that of a child. Investigators have now recovered the jet’s engines and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) from the wreckage.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at around 6:06 p.m. Bound for Tijuana, Mexico, with a stopover planned in Springfield, Missouri, the aircraft was airborne for less than a minute before crashing. According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator Bill Hicks, the jet reached an altitude of about 1,500 feet before its rapid descent ended in a catastrophic impact.
Victims Identified
All six individuals aboard perished, including 11-year-old Valentina Guzman Murillo, who had recently received care at Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia. She was traveling with her 31-year-old mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna. The crew members were identified as Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo, paramedic Lopez Padilla, Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, and co-pilot Josue De Jesus Juarez Juarez. All victims were Mexican citizens, confirmed by the Mexican government and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance reported that Montoya Perales, 46, had been with the company since 2016, Juarez Juarez, 43, joined in December 2023, Arredondo, 41, had been with the service since 2020, and Padilla, also 41, started in November 2023.
Investigation Developments
On Sunday, NTSB officials announced the recovery of the aircraft’s engines and CVR. The CVR was found buried about eight feet deep at the initial impact site. Additionally, the airplane’s enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), which may hold critical flight data, was also retrieved. Both components will undergo detailed analysis at the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C.
Notably, there was no distress communication from the cockpit before the crash. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated, “In the recording we have, air traffic controllers attempted to reach the flight crew but received no response.” The crash has been classified as an accident.
Impact on the Ground
The crash also resulted in casualties on the ground. At least one person in a vehicle died, though their identity has not been disclosed. The number of injured individuals on the ground has risen to 22, with five currently hospitalized, including three in critical condition.
The high-impact crash scattered debris across four to five city blocks, igniting fires in at least five homes. Philadelphia officials and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are actively involved in the investigation alongside the NTSB.
Broader Context and Concerns
This tragedy occurred just two days after another aviation disaster, where an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a regional American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. Despite these consecutive incidents, NTSB Chair Homendy assured the public of the agency’s capacity to manage multiple investigations effectively. “We are a highly skilled agency, and it’s not uncommon for the board to investigate multiple incidents simultaneously,” she stated.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the recent events as part of a “heart-wrenching week,” emphasizing that the investigation will be thorough. “We’re not going to have answers right away. It’s going to take time. But as I get those answers, I’ll share them with all of you,” Duffy posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, focus remains on the recovered CVR and EGPWS, which are expected to provide critical insights into the aircraft’s final moments. Authorities are also reviewing the jet’s maintenance history, pilot credentials, and potential mechanical issues.
Philadelphia Mayor Parker expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, pledging the city’s support. “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We are committed to supporting the investigation and ensuring all necessary resources are available,” Parker stated.
The NTSB plans to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, with a final report detailing the cause of the crash expected in the following months. As the investigation progresses, the aviation community and the public await answers that may help prevent future tragedies.
