PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla., — Nine people were killed Sunday afternoon when a private Learjet 60 plunged into a residential area in Palm Beach County, Florida, following an extraordinary descent that reportedly exceeded 32,000 feet per minute, according to flight-tracking data.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died in the crash, which occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, in the Greenacres area.
The aircraft, identified by its registration number N722BD, had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was traveling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the flight ended in tragedy.
Aircraft Lost Thousands of Feet in Seconds
Preliminary flight-tracking information indicates the Learjet experienced an exceptionally rapid descent shortly before impact.
According to data reported by CNN and aviation-tracking services, the aircraft lost approximately 27,000 feet of altitude in just one minute. Additional tracking reports indicated that its maximum vertical descent rate exceeded 32,000 feet per minute.
That rate is equivalent to approximately 364 miles per hour in downward movement, or more than 530 feet of altitude lost every second.
The reported descent rate does not establish the aircraft’s precise speed at impact.
Flight-tracking information showed the jet had reached an altitude of approximately 41,000 feet before beginning its descent toward South Florida.
Pilots Reported Icing, Turbulence and Emergency Conditions
Air traffic control recordings reported by CNN indicate that the flight crew encountered icing conditions and moderate turbulence before the aircraft began its final descent.
The pilots reportedly described ice accumulating on the aircraft and requested a change in altitude.
Moments later, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
According to the recordings, the crew declared an emergency as the aircraft began descending at thousands of feet per minute. The pilots also reported an overspeed condition as they struggled with the aircraft’s rapid loss of altitude.
Investigators have not determined whether icing, turbulence, mechanical failure or another factor caused the crash.
Aircraft Erupts Into Flames Near Residential Homes
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the Learjet descended toward a populated neighborhood.
Video captured by nearby motorists showed the aircraft plunging toward the ground before a massive explosion sent flames and thick black smoke into the air.
The impact created a crater near the roadway, scattering wreckage and debris across the surrounding area.
Emergency personnel, firefighters and law enforcement officers rushed to the scene.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed sections of Military Trail in both directions while emergency crews secured the crash site and investigated possible hazards.
Authorities had not immediately confirmed whether anyone on the ground was injured or whether nearby homes sustained damage.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, weather conditions, flight-tracking information, air traffic control communications and recovered wreckage.
The Learjet 60 is a twin-engine business aircraft commonly used for private and charter transportation.
Authorities have not released the identities of the nine people killed.
Transportation Secretary Duffy described the accident as a horrific tragedy and called for prayers for those affected.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigators have not issued a final determination regarding the aircraft’s sudden descent.
A Moment for Prayer
As investigators work to determine what caused this devastating tragedy, nine lives have been lost, and families are now facing unimaginable grief.
Our thoughts and prayers are with every person who was aboard that aircraft, their families, friends and loved ones.
May God comfort those who received heartbreaking news today, give strength to the families facing the difficult days ahead, and surround everyone affected by this tragedy with His peace.
We also pray for the first responders, emergency personnel and investigators working at the crash site.
May the Lord bring comfort where there is sorrow, strength where there is heartbreak, and peace that surpasses all understanding.
God bless the victims, their families and friends. May they rest in peace.
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