A business jet carrying nine individuals crashed in a South Florida neighborhood, resulting in a deadly fireball. All passengers on the aircraft were killed, as confirmed by the U.S. Transportation Secretary.
Video footage captured by motorists displayed the moment the Bahamas-bound plane descended rapidly near Palm Beach County before exploding. The crash site witnessed thick black smoke and debris, strikingly close to homes and passing vehicles.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on social media that the Learjet 60 crashed at 12:50 p.m., calling it a ‘horrific tragedy.’ The Federal Aviation Administration will join the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the incident.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities among residents on the ground. The crash created a large crater near the roadway, resembling the aftermath of a missile strike according to DeSantis. Heavy rain affected the area Sunday, with a flood watch in effect until Monday afternoon.
The aircraft, departing from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, was en route to the Bahamas. Turbulence, icing, and precipitation were reported by pilots shortly before the crash, as recorded by air traffic control. They requested to ascend another 2,000 feet for safety, but the plane soon entered a steep dive.
This steep dive involved descent rates of up to 30,000 feet per minute, exceeding the plane’s design limits. The pilot declared an emergency and issued distress signals before the plane tragically collided with the ground. Minutes prior, the pilot reported manageable ice and turbulence but rapidly lost control due to worsening conditions.
Aviation expert Steve Arroyo noted that icing and turbulence likely contributed to the crash, potentially causing a stall at cruising altitude. Investigators are examining multiple factors, including pilot response, without ruling any out at this stage.
The NTSB planned to deploy investigators to the crash scene on Sunday and Monday. A media briefing is scheduled for Monday in West Palm Beach.
Local authorities evacuated around 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community as federal officials commenced the investigation. Road closures in the vicinity will remain until further notice.
The tragic event took place in Greenacres, Florida—located approximately 7 miles southwest of West Palm Beach.
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