Six Feared Dead in Another US Plane Crash as FAA, NTSB Investigate

A small jet carrying six people crashed into a densely populated neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday night, setting off multiple fires and prompting a major emergency response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft was a Learjet 55 executive jet, which had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

The crash, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. GMT, left buildings and vehicles engulfed in flames near Roosevelt Mall. Local news footage showed a fireball followed by plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. Authorities have yet to confirm whether there were any survivors among the six people reportedly on board.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged reports that six people were on board but did not provide further details.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated on social media that emergency services were actively responding to the scene. “We are offering all resources as emergency responders deal with the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available,” he wrote.

Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management classified the crash as a “major incident,” advising residents to avoid the area due to road closures near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues. The site of the crash, located near busy roads, businesses, and homes, drew dozens of emergency personnel working to control the situation.

The accident comes just days after a deadly mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport, which claimed 67 lives in what was the deadliest air disaster in the U.S. in nearly 25 years.

Authorities have not yet provided details on possible casualties from the Philadelphia crash, but investigations are ongoing.