A small plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 31, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in anews release.
The Learjet 55 departed the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which primarily serves business jets and charter flights. The plane took off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. Once it reached an altitude of 1,600 feet 30 seconds later, it disappeared from radar, per theAssociated Press.
First responders work the scene after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.AP Photo/Matt Rourke
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
view of the wreckage from a small plane after it crashed in a residential area in the US city of Philadelphia on January 31, 2025.Thomas Hengge/Anadolu via Getty
Thomas Hengge/Anadolu via Getty
Jet Rescue said in a statement to PEOPLE that there were four crew members and two passengers — a pediatric patient and an escort — on board. “We cannot confirm any survivors,” the company said. “Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground.”
In the radio call, an air traffic controller attempted to contact the plane and said “Medevac med service, northeast tower. Medevac med service, northeast tower. Are you on frequency?” perCNN.
Just over a minute later, the controller said, “We have a lost aircraft. We are not exactly sure what happened, so we are trying to figure it out for now. So, for now the field is going to be closed. So, no inbounds or outbounds.”
The FAA has issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to “an aircraft incident.”
A view of the scene after a small plane crashed in a residential area in the US city of Philadelphia on January 31, 2025.Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty
Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty
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During an evening press conference with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said there are currently no reports on the number of fatalities. She added that several dwellings and vehicles were also impacted and urged those in the area to stay home and not touch any debris while responders and investigators are at the scene.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks during a news conference following a plane crash in a neighborhood in Northeast Philadephia, Pennsylvania on January 31, 2025.KRISTON BETHEL/AFP via Getty
KRISTON BETHEL/AFP via Getty
Parker said multiple agencies are at the site, including Philadelphia fire and police departments, Pennsylvania State Police, the NTSB and FAA.
“[There’s a] unified response to awful aviation disaster,” Shapiro said during the conference. “We know there will be loss in this region. We want to offer our thoughts and serious prayers to those who are grieving.”
The incident comes two days after aBlack Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines flightin Washington D.C., killing 67 people.
This story is developing…
source: people.com
