NTSB: Cockpit voice recorder still sought in Northeast Philadelphia plane crash that left 7 dead, 19 injured

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The medical transport jet carrying a patient and her mother back to Mexico was in the air less than a minute before it plunged to the ground in a busy corridor of Northeast Philadelphia, the National Transportation Safety Board said Saturday evening.

“This was a high-impact crash and the plane is highly fragmented. There is substantial impact on the entire community,” said NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy.

The crash claimed at least seven lives and injured another 19 people following an explosion that sent debris flying down the block.

“The debris is scattered. It is very dangerous, and so I encourage everyone to stay out of the accident site. It’s very dangerous,” Homendy noted.

Officials did not specify the extent of those injured but did say the injury and death toll could change, adding that it could be days or more before we know the totals for sure.

Jefferson Health told Action News that they provided care for 15 individuals, and 12 have since been discharged. Two people have been admitted for further care and one patient was transferred to another hospital.

Temple University Hospital said Saturday morning that six patients were treated and released from the Jeanes Campus. One person is hospitalized at Main Campus and is listed in fair condition.

One pediatric patient is being treated at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

The cockpit voice recorder, which will aid investigators in learning what happened, is still being sought.

“It could be intact but likely it is damaged. It may be fragmented,” said Homendy, adding that the device, known as a black box, is orange in color.

Citizens or business owners who spot debris or the cockpit voice recorder are urged to email the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

Homendy stressed that it could be in pieces or a different color due to the blast.

The jet left the runway at 6:06 p.m. and climbed to 1,500 feet, officials said. It took a slight right turn followed by a slight left turn before it plummeted to the ground, the NTSB said.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, officials said the crash is being classified as an accident and it doesn’t appear there were any issues communicated to air traffic control.

“In fact, the recording that that we have, there is an attempt by air traffic controllers to get a response from the flight crew, that they didn’t receive,” Homendy explained.

A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response. Vehicles, homes and even people in the area could be seen on fire.

Officials said five structures were ablaze after the crash, which have all been extinguished.

Investigators are still assessing damage in a four to six-block area, where they are continuing a grid search of the scene to ensure they have accounted for everyone and found all evidence, as well as checking for any structural damage.

Along with the debris field in the area of the impact site, Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said they are also investigating debris in a “remote area” where “something happened with the aircraft.” He said, “That’s something we’ll leave the NTSB to talk about.”

During Saturday’s briefing, Homendy said she couldn’t comment but investigators would evaluate those claims.

Thiel emphasized that the work to count the number of victims of this crash is still underway. He urged the public to call 911 if they’re worried someone is missing.

“If you haven’t seen somebody, you think somebody might have been in this area, you have a relative in this area and you haven’t seen or heard from them, and you’re concerned, call 911 and we will take it from there,” he said.

Parker continues to urge residents to stay away from the scene and to also call 911 if they find any debris.

The mayor also said no donations are needed and there is no official GoFundMe.

Anyone in need of mental health support can call 215-685-6440 or visit dbhids.org.

If you are missing or concerned about any loved ones, Mayor Parker advises you to call 911.

A shelter is available for residents at Samuel Fels High School located on the 5500 block of Langdon Street, the mayor said.

Action News got a new look at daybreak on Saturday morning at the destruction that spans several blocks.

A crater can be seen in the roadway where the medical jet made impact.

Chopper 6 was overhead, where charred vehicles and burned buildings could be seen as federal investigators arrived to examine the scene.

Video of the crash quickly began circulating on social media, many showing graphic images from the scene.

Debris from the crash is being found up to a quarter mile away from the impact site.

A video obtained by Action News shows people inside a diner ducking for cover after the blast. One man sitting inside the diner was injured after being struck by debris.

READ MORE: People in diner duck for cover after plane crash, explosion in Northeast Philadelphia

The plane carrying a child, her mother and four other people went down near the Roosevelt Mall around 6:10 p.m. Friday.

The Learjet 55 crashed near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to authorities. The flight was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri with a final destination in Mexico when it went down.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, confirmed early Saturday that all six on board the plane were killed.

“I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia, United States. The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families; I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them in whatever way is required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends,” she said in a post on X.

Shriners Children’s Hospital confirmed to Action News that the child on board had received care from the hospital and was being taken back to her home country of Mexico, along with her mother, when the crash happened.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.

An NTSB investigator arrived at the scene Friday night with additional team members expected to arrive Saturday.

Speaking at a follow-up press briefing Friday night, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said dozens of state troopers and other state personnel were on hand to offer help and praised local responders and community members.

“We saw neighbor helping neighbor. We saw Pennsylvanians looking out for one another,” he said.

Moment of impact: Plane crash caught on multiple videos in Northeast Philadelphia

In a statement posted to social media platform Truth Social, President Donald Trump said: “So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”

There was a temporary ground stop after the crash but that has since been lifted. However, Atlantic Aviation is closed.

The Philadelphia plane crash comes just days after 67 people died after an American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington D.C. The DC plane crash marks the first major commercial crash in the U.S. in more than 15 years.