NTSB Locates Cockpit Voice Recorder From Fatal Learjet Crash in Philadelphia

The aircraft crashed into a commercial and residential area at 6:06 p.m. EDT shortly after it departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE), killing all six people aboard the aircraft and one motorist on the ground. An additional 24 people were injured and four homes destroyed in the incident, city officials said Tuesday.

Numerous videos of the accident showed the medical jet coming down in a near vertical attitude then exploding when it hit the ground, triggering fires that included businesses, homes, and cars.

On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it had located the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder (CVR).

"The CVR was located at the site of initial impact, at a depth of 8 feet," the safety agency said.

NTSB said it also recovered  the aircraft's enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), which could also contain flight data.

"Both components will be sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for evaluation," the agency said. 

Both of the aircraft's engines were recovered and will be sent to a secure location in Delaware for further examination, NTSB said.

The NTSB team was expected to conclude its work at the site Wednesday, according to Adam Thiel, city of Philadelphia managing director. Thiel praised local law enforcement and community assistance groups for their support during the crisis.

"[It resulted in] one team working together to process the crash site and help the NTSB get to the next phase of what will continue to be a long, thorough and comprehensive investigation," Thiel said.

The NTSB said that it has obtained surveillance videos of the crash and collected numerous witness statements. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, the agency said.