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A business jet carrying nine people crashed into a South Florida neighborhood on Sunday, November 1, killing everyone on board, according to the U.S. transportation secretary.
The aircraft reportedly plunged toward the ground before erupting into a massive fireball near a busy roadway. The explosion appeared to narrowly miss nearby homes, raising concerns about the potential impact on residents in the area.
The deadly crash has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s final moments and the investigation into what caused the disaster.
Nine Killed as Learjet 60 Crashes in Greenacres, Florida
The aircraft was identified as a Learjet 60, a private business jet that departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas. It was heading to the Bahamas when the crash occurred in Palm Beach County at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was bound for the Bahamas. Authorities identified the crash location as Greenacres, near West Palm Beach.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died. He described the incident as a horrific tragedy and said the FAA would support the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation.
Pilot Reported Turbulence and Ice Before the Crash
Air traffic control recordings and flight-tracking data revealed troubling details about the aircraft’s final moments.
The plane was reportedly flying at approximately 35,000 feet when the pilots reported turbulence, icing and precipitation. They requested permission to climb another 2,000 feet.
However, the aircraft soon entered a steep descent. Its rate of descent reportedly increased from 10,000 feet per minute to 20,000 feet per minute and eventually reached approximately 30,000 feet per minute.
The pilot declared an emergency and issued distress calls as the situation deteriorated.
According to recordings of communications with air traffic controllers, the pilot reported that the aircraft was descending rapidly before acknowledging the impending crash.
The precise circumstances that caused the aircraft to lose control have not been established.
Florida Officials Respond as Residents Are Evacuated
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the crash scene and described the incident as a catastrophic plane crash.
He said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries among people on the ground.
The aircraft crashed near homes and a busy roadway, leaving a large crater in the pavement. Video footage captured flames, thick black smoke and debris scattered around the scene.
Palm Beach County authorities also began relocating approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community. Two shelters were arranged to accommodate those affected by the evacuation.
Officials closed nearby roads as emergency personnel responded and investigators prepared to examine the wreckage.
FAA and NTSB Investigate Deadly Florida Plane Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration is sending a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board with the investigation.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data and communications between the pilots and air traffic controllers.
Although icing and turbulence were reported before the crash, authorities have not confirmed either as the cause.
The identities of the nine people aboard had not been publicly released in the initial reports.
Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier also expressed condolences and pledged to cooperate with investigators.
The investigation is expected to establish what happened during the flight and why the Learjet plunged into the South Florida neighborhood.
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Sources: AP News
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