PHILADELPHIA — Three days after a Learjet carrying six people crashed into a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood, investigators say the plane’s black box has been found.
A key find, authorities say, could provide more answers in the minutes that led up to the crash.
“That was a voice recorder box,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “We don’t have a data recorder on this aircraft, but there is an enhanced ground proximity warning system. Information can come off that device, whether it’s the speed or location of the aircraft. We will be able to get some data hopefully.”
On Monday afternoon, federal, state, and city officials gave another update about the ongoing investigation.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker says in total, six people aboard the jet and one person in a nearby vehicle were killed. Twenty-four people were sent to nearby hospitals.
“We are reminded that there is in no way, shape, or form anything that we could have done to prepare for what I’ve described as the worst black swan event that the city of Philadelphia has encountered,” said Parker.
Duffy and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pledging continued support as the investigation moves on.
“We will not forget, we’re going to stand in partnership with your community,” said Duffy.
“Everybody working together, everybody making sure that that thin line between danger and safety is understood, and we prioritize the safety and welfare of the people of Philadelphia and the citizens of this great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Shapiro.
Officials with the NTSB say the Black Box was found more than 8 feet into the ground where the aircraft hit.
A potential cause and any other contributing factors to the crash will come in a final report, but that can take up to two years.