Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as the “black box,” from the tragic air ambulance crash that claimed seven lives and injured over 20 others in a Philadelphia neighborhood. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced the recovery on Sunday, as efforts to determine the cause of the deadly crash continue.
Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recovered
The cockpit voice recorder was found at the site of the initial impact, buried about 8 feet deep. In addition to the black box, investigators also recovered the plane’s enhanced ground proximity warning system, which may contain critical flight data.
“Both components will be sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for evaluation,” the NTSB confirmed. Wreckage recovery operations will continue, with all debris to be transported to a secure location in Delaware for further examination.
Details of the Crash
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a Learjet 55, was flying from Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport to Philadelphia. After departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport at around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, the aircraft experienced a rapid descent, crashing into a residential area at an estimated speed of 300 mph.
The flight was bound for Branson, Missouri, with a final destination in Mexico. Tragically, all six people aboard the aircraft— the pilot, copilot, two medical personnel, a pediatric patient, and her mother— were killed. Additionally, one person on the ground lost their life in the incident.
Victims Identified
Jet Rescue identified the crew members aboard the Learjet:
- Captain: Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales
- Copilot: Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez
- Doctor: Raul Meza Arredondo
- Paramedic: Rodrigo Lopez Padilla
The pediatric patient was identified as 11-year-old Valentina Guzmán Murillo from Ensenada, Mexico. She was accompanied by her mother, 31-year-old Lizeth Murillo Osuna. Valentina had been receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia since August for complications related to a spinal condition. The hospital did not disclose further details, citing patient privacy.
Claudia Agatón Muñiz, Mayor of Ensenada, shared condolences on social media and assured the public that efforts were underway to return the victims’ bodies to their families in Mexico.
Impact on the Neighborhood
The crash caused significant destruction in the densely populated neighborhood, damaging or destroying nearly a dozen homes. A massive fire erupted following the crash, displacing several families. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that over 20 people were injured, with five remaining hospitalized as of Sunday. The exact number of displaced individuals or those missing has not been confirmed.
Residents like Elizabeth Rodriguez expressed concerns for their loved ones living near the crash site. “They have two kids inside, at least their power is back,” she told the Philadelphia Inquirer, referring to family members within the secured perimeter.
Eyewitness Accounts
The crash left a deep crater on Cottman Avenue, with charred remains of the fuselage and burnt vehicles scattered across the scene. Local residents described the terrifying moments following the crash.
“I couldn’t sleep last night,” said Bill Vitelli, who lives three miles from the crash site. He recalled how the explosion shook his windows, comparing it to the vibrations caused by a passing “boom car.” Reflecting on the tragedy, he added, “We’ll know what happened eventually, but why do these things happen? Maybe only God can explain it.”
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
As investigators continue their work, the city is focused on supporting affected families. A town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening to address community concerns and provide updates.
The NTSB will analyze the recovered flight data to understand the sequence of events leading up to the crash. While it may take months to complete the investigation, officials hope the black box and other flight records will offer crucial insights.
The Philadelphia air ambulance crash has left a community grieving and searching for answers. With the recovery of the cockpit voice recorder and other critical components, investigators are one step closer to uncovering what caused the tragedy. As families mourn their loved ones, both in Philadelphia and Mexico, the city continues to offer support to those affected by this heartbreaking event.
