In the aftermath of the tragic Learjet 55 crash in Philadelphia on January 31, 2025, air traffic control (ATC) audio has surfaced, providing insight into the final moments before the disaster. The medical transport jet, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was transporting a young patient, her mother, and four crew members when it crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board.
The ATC recordings, obtained from the Northeast Philadelphia Airport tower, capture routine communications during the jet’s departure. Controllers cleared the flight for takeoff, and initial exchanges between the pilot and ATC appeared standard. Approximately two minutes after takeoff, the tower attempted to re-establish contact with the aircraft but received no response. Shortly thereafter, the jet crashed into a residential neighborhood, causing a massive explosion and subsequent fires.
Notably, some listeners have reported hearing a voice in the recording stating, “They are f**king with the wrong people” at the 57-second mark, followed by an exclamation of “BOOM” at 1:06. These utterances have led to speculation about their origin and context. However, it’s important to approach such interpretations with caution, as audio recordings can sometimes capture background noises or unrelated communications that may be misinterpreted.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the crash, aiming to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary analyses suggest potential factors such as mechanical failure or a sudden loss of lift during takeoff. The ATC audio will be a crucial component of the investigation, providing insights into the aircraft’s final communications and any anomalies that may have occurred.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will continue to analyze all available data, including flight records, maintenance history, and eyewitness accounts, to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident. The aviation community and the public await further information to understand the cause of the crash and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For those interested in hearing the ATC audio, a recording is available below:
Cleaned up version:
