Learjet crashes into Florida neighborhood, killing all nine aboard
A private jet heading to the Bahamas nosedived from 35,000 feet and struck Greenacres, Florida, on Sunday, killing everyone on board.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
Nine people died when a Learjet 60 business jet crashed into a residential area in Greenacres, Florida, at 12:50 p.m. on Sunday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the fatalities in a post on X, describing the incident as a horrific tragedy.
The aircraft departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to the Bahamas. Federal Aviation Administration records show the jet was traveling east at 35,000 feet when the pilots reported turbulence, icing, and precipitation. They requested to climb another 2,000 feet.
Air traffic control data indicates the plane entered a steep dive shortly after that request. The descent rate accelerated from 10,000 feet per minute to 30,000 feet per minute, pushing the aircraft beyond its design speed limits. The pilot declared an emergency and banked sharply to the right before impact.
The pilot communicated with controllers about the deteriorating conditions. 'We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,' the pilot radioed. As the fall intensified, the pilot declared a mayday. 'We’re descending 8,000 - mayday, mayday - we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,' the pilot said. 'We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute.' The pilot concluded with, 'We’re going to crash into the ground.'
The jet hit the ground near a busy roadway and exploded into a large fireball. Video from nearby cars captured the impact and the resulting crater. Palm Beach County authorities evacuated approximately 600 residents from a mobile home community close to the crash site. The road remains closed until further notice.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated there were no immediate reports of ground casualties. He described the scene as a cataclysmic plane crash that looked like a missile going down. Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo noted that icing and turbulence may have caused the plane to stall while cruising at 34,000 feet. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate all factors, including the pilot's response to the weather conditions.
Rain fell on the region on Sunday, with a flood watch in effect through Monday afternoon due to excessive rainfall. NTSB investigators arrived at the site on Sunday and Monday. A media briefing is scheduled for Monday in West Palm Beach. Authorities have not yet identified the individuals on board or determined the specific cause of the crash.
