All nine people aboard a business jet were killed when the aircraft crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, November 1.
The Learjet 60 was travelling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it went down at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that everyone aboard had died. The crash occurred near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, prompting emergency crews to respond and authorities to close nearby roads.
The aircraft, registration N722BD, was manufactured in 2004.
According to air traffic control audio reviewed by Flightradar24, the crew reported icing, moderate turbulence and precipitation before requesting permission to climb to 37,000 feet.
After receiving clearance, the crew reported a rapid descent and an overspeed condition. Flightradar24 said tracking data recorded a descent rate exceeding 32,000 feet per minute before its final altitude reading.
The jet struck the ground and erupted into flames, leaving a deep crater near homes. Later reporting indicated that no injuries had been reported on the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board dispatched investigators, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The cause remains under investigation. Reports of icing and turbulence do not establish what caused the aircraft to crash.
