NTSB Finds Cockpit Voice Recorder Failed To Record Medevac Accident Flight | Aviation International News

Investigators Find CVR Failed To Record Medevac Flight

The CVR had likely not been recording for several years

Aerial image with the airplane’s ADS-B flight track and the accident location overlaid. — Aerial image with the airplane’s ADS-B flight track and the accident location overlaid © NTSB

By Amy Wilder • Writer

March 7, 2025

The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) failed to record before and during the January 31 crash of a medevac Bombardier Learjet 55 in Philadelphia and may not have recorded on any flights for several years, according to the preliminary NTSB report released yesterday. After departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE) at 6:07 p.m. EST, the Learjet—headed to Springfield-Branson National Airport (KSGF) in Missouri—went down approximately one minute after takeoff, killing all aboard and one person on the ground.

Per Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil [AFAC]) rules drafted based on ICAO Annex six documentation, Part 25 aircraft with an mtow of 5,500 kg or more operating in Mexican airspace must have a CVR. In addition, foreign-registered multi-engine turbine aircraft with more than six passenger seats, as well as any foreign-operated air charter aircraft flying in Mexican airspace, must be equipped with a CVR.

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Learjet 55

Bombardier

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