Private Jet Charter Has 2 Fatal Crashes in 15 Months

It seems like we have been writing more and more stories about private jet crashes lately. Recently we explored the safety regulation differences between the privately operated (Part 91) and charter private jets (Part 135). On the surface you would think there would be less incidents involving charter aircraft due to the intense safety and maintenance requirements. But a private jet charter has 2 fatal crashes in 15 months.

If you have seen the news a private jet charter medevac aircraft in Philadelphia took off and crashed almost immediately on January 31, 2025. The aircraft, a Learjet 55, was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. Mexican registration XA-UCI. (see picture above)

What many may not know is less than 15 months ago this same company had another fatal crash of a Learjet 33 crashed after landing at Cuernavaca Airport, Morelos, Mexico on November 1, 2023. 5 crew members were killed. Mexican registration XA-IRE. (see picture above)

Of note is these were both Mexican registered aircraft. Mexican charter regulations, administered by the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil, AFAC, have less stringent requirements including lower pilot experience hour requirements and less stringent inspection protocols. Additionally, most people don’t know that this is a new agency created in 2019 replacing the old Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).

Less stringent inspections and less pilot experience on the surface do not sound good.

While the latest crash is under investigation by the NTSB, who recently found the black box. There is speculation that a loose medical oxygen tank may have been a factor. Although, hydraulic or mechanical failure of the tail rudder certainly could have been a cause due to the angle of decent. There were no reports of an in air explosion.

Making this crash even worse was the fact that it just took off heading to Mexico, so there was plenty on fuel in the tanks causing the massive fiery explosion upon impact.

At Aviation Marketing Experts we have also emphasized to our clients that safety matters. Educating their customers on safety can be a great selling point. It doesn’t matter if you’re a flight school, FBO, manufacturer or charter, crashes can occur which is not only bad for business but can be the end of your business. See the article rebuilding your reputation after an incident.

Want to create some successful marketing strategies that actually work ? Here’s one. Contact us at hello@blueislanddigital.com.

Private Jet Charter Has 2 Fatal Crashes in 15 Months