On January 31, 2025, an air ambulance operating as Med Jets Flight (MTS056) crashed in Northeast Philadelphia, killing six people on the plane and one person on the ground. At least 22 other people sustained injuries in the air ambulance crash. The Learjet 55 aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, went down shortly after takeoff near Roosevelt Mall at Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
In this blog from the aviation attorneys at Wisner Baum, we provide information about the legal options available to victims and their families affected by this disaster. While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash, early indications point to this crash being preventable.
If you or someone in your family would like to discuss your legal options, please fill out our free case evaluation form or call us at (855) 948-5098.
Details of the Philadelphia Plane Crash
The aircraft took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and climbed to 1,650 feet. It then disappeared from radar and crashed 40 seconds later less than three miles from the airport. The plane descended at a rate of approximately 11,000 feet per minute, with the last recorded data showing the aircraft at 1,275 feet and a speed of 242 knots before crashing.
Aircraft: The aircraft involved was a Learjet 55 air ambulance operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
Flight Path: The flight, designated MTS056, originated from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, with a planned fuel stop in Springfield, Missouri. The final destination was Tijuana International Airport in Mexico.
Time of Crash: The crash occurred at approximately 6:06 PM EST, shortly after takeoff.
Crash Location: The aircraft crashed near Roosevelt Mall at Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, impacting several buildings, vehicles and a residential neighborhood.
Victims of the Med Jets Flight 056 Crash Identified
Officials have identified all seven of the deceased, including six people who were on board the plane and one person on the ground. The six individuals on board the plane, all Mexican nationals, have been identified as:
- Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales
- Co-pilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez
- Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo
- Paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla
- Valentina Guzman Murillo
- Lizeth Murillo Ozuna
The air ambulance was transporting patient Valentina Guzman Murillo, along with her mother, Lizbeth Murillo Ozuna.
The deceased victim on the ground was identified as 37-year-old Steven Dreuitt of Philadelphia. Dreuitt was in a vehicle at the time of the crash, investigators say.
In addition to the fatalities, 22 people were injured. Five remained hospitalized with three listed in critical condition days after the incident. Mr. Dreuitt’s young son is one of the three who remained in critical condition after suffering burns over 90% of his body.
NTSB Investigation and Findings
The NTSB is the government agency leading the investigation into the cause of the Philadelphia crash. So far, investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) from the crash site. Both have been sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C. for analysis.
Preliminary findings indicate the plane climbed to around 1,650 feet, made a series of turns, and then entered a steep descent. The pilot did not communicate with air traffic control.
We anticipate the NTSB investigation to take around 12-24 months to complete. At that time, the agency will issue a final report on the crash, including the cause, and any applicable safety recommendations to help prevent this kind of incident from happening again.
The Danger of Air Ambulance Accidents
Air ambulance crashes occur with concerning frequency, though the rates have fluctuated over time. While most air ambulance crashes involve helicopters, plane crashes like this one in Philadelphia do happen occasionally due to:
Unique Flight Challenges: Air ambulance flights, such as medical evacuation airplanes and helicopters (Medevac), face unique challenges due to their urgent nature and operational requirements. These flights may operate without scheduled flight plans, in close proximity to terrain, busy roads, and populated areas. The pilots and crew must work both quickly to help people in dire need of medical care, and carefully to avoid dangerous situations.
Increased Risk: According to government data, there have been over 450 air medical crashes in the U.S. since 1983, with 150 being fatal. There has been a significant increase in for-profit air ambulances in recent years, raising safety concerns.
Some of the common causes of air ambulance accidents include:
- Pilot error
- Defective design or manufacturing of the aircraft
- Negligent maintenance
- Air traffic control negligence
- Adverse weather
- Police or ground paramedic errors
Legal Options for Victims and Families
Aviation crash victims and their families have may have rights to pursue compensation, pending the outcome of the investigation. Consulting with a Philadelphia plane crash lawyer is essential to navigating the complex legal process.
Wrongful Death Claims: Families of the deceased may file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
Personal Injury Claims: Those who sustained injuries due to the crash may be able to pursue personal injury claims to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Liability: Potential parties that may be liable include the aircraft operator (Jet Rescue Air Ambulance), maintenance providers, aircraft manufacturers, and potentially other negligent third parties. Liability may hinge on mechanical failure, operational error, or other factors uncovered during the investigation.
Negligence: If negligence is found to have contributed to the crash, those responsible may be held legally accountable.
Statutes of Limitations: It is important to seek legal counsel promptly due to statutes of limitations, which set time limits for filing claims.
Experienced Legal Counsel: Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to navigating the complex legal process, gathering evidence, understanding rights, and maximizing potential compensation.
Compensation: Damages in an aviation accident case may cover medical expenses, loss of income, funeral costs, emotional distress and other losses. An attorney can discuss what damages may be available to you in your initial consultation.
Wisner Baum Air Ambulance Crash Lawyers
Wisner Baum is a nationally recognized aviation law firm with extensive experience handling complex aviation litigation, including cases involving small plane crashes and air ambulance accidents.
Our attorneys have decades of experience investigating the causes of crashes and building strong cases against negligent parties. We have obtained over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients across a broad range of practice areas. Our firm has a proven track record of success in cases involving pilot error, manufacturing defects, maintenance issues, and other causes of action. No matter the corporate opponent, Wisner Baum has the experience and resources to hold them accountable for any wrongdoing.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Med Jets Flight 056 crash or any other aviation accident, contact us online or call (855) 948-5098 today for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to discuss your legal options and help you understand the steps you need to take to protect your rights.
