Federal investigators have focused on a crucial component found broken and scattered miles from the private jet crash site in Florida. On a flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, the Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County before 1 p.m., resulting in the deaths of everyone on board.
A key part controlling the plane’s pitch was discovered in three pieces, with one piece located nearly four miles from the crash site. According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Thomas B. Chapman, the left tail elevator—a significant piece of evidence—was found between 1.3 to 3.8 miles from the crash site. This indicates a separation before the crash.
Chapman explained that investigators are examining if losing this part contributed to the crash or if it was torn off due to forces acting on the aircraft. The NTSB aims to access the crater by Wednesday, currently restricted due to ongoing work by public utility crews.
Greg Feith, a former NTSB investigator, suggested the debris pattern indicates an in-flight breakup. Feith noted that attempts to stabilize the jet might have overstressed its structure, leading to a failure of critical flight controls. Observations suggest the aircraft leveled off at about 8,000 feet for a brief period, possibly indicating pilot efforts to regain control.
Victims of the crash include Adam Robinson, an Austin tech entrepreneur, his wife Helen Sharp, their children Emma and Charlie, their nanny Anita Maria Cetina, and couple Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr. The flight’s captain, Jeff Gregory, and co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, were also killed.
Federal investigators have identified weather conditions, such as icing and moderate turbulence reported at around 35,000 feet, as a major factor in the probe following a rapid loss of altitude. Although the jet had a cockpit voice recorder, its whereabouts and function are yet unknown, as stated by NTSB officials.
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