Bahamas: All nine people aboard a private Learjet 60 were killed after the aircraft crashed in Florida while travelling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas on Sunday, November 1, according to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Audio from the final air traffic control exchange has also emerged, capturing the crew’s distress calls moments before the aircraft went down.
The aircraft, registered as N722BD, crashed near Greenacres in Palm Beach County, close to a residential neighbourhood and a mobile home park. The jet reportedly struck the ground and erupted into flames.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those killed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
What did the pilot say before the Learjet crashed?
The reported air traffic control audio captures the pilot describing deteriorating conditions before declaring an emergency.
The crew initially discussed moderate turbulence and icing conditions while travelling towards Freeport in the Bahamas. The reported outside temperature was minus 47 degrees Celsius, and the pilots discussed finding smoother air.
The situation then escalated rapidly.
According to the reported recording, the pilot declared a Mayday emergency and reported that the aircraft was descending at an alarming rate.
“722 Bravo Delta… we’re descending 8,000—Mayday, Mayday! We’re descending 10,000 feet per minute!” the pilot said.
The air traffic controller acknowledged the emergency and offered assistance. The pilot subsequently reported that the aircraft was overspeeding and descending even faster.
As the exchange continued, the controller told the crew they could select any altitude and attempted to maintain communication.
“I’m here with you. Talk to me,” the controller said, according to the reported audio.
The pilot later warned that the aircraft was about to hit the ground. The recording reportedly captured further reports of an extreme descent rate and a steep bank before the transmission ended.
The audio offers a glimpse into the crew’s final communications, but it does not establish what caused the aircraft to lose control. Investigators will need to examine the available evidence before determining the sequence of events.
Where did the Florida Learjet crash?
The crash occurred near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in Greenacres, in Palm Beach County. The site is a few miles from Palm Beach International Airport.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene following the incident. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed roads in both directions and urged motorists to stay away from the area.
Images from the scene showed flames rising from the crash site. Authorities have not confirmed any casualties on the ground in the information provided.
FAA and NTSB investigate the crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.
The aircraft’s final communications may form part of the inquiry, alongside evidence recovered from the crash site and other available flight information. However, the cause of the accident has not been established.
Investigators will have to determine what happened during the aircraft’s final moments and whether weather conditions, a technical malfunction or another factor contributed to the crash.
The identities of the nine people aboard had not been publicly released in the available reports.
