Bahamas (Rajeev Sharma): A private Learjet 60 crashed in Florida on Sunday, November 1, killing all nine people aboard, as the aircraft was travelling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas. The final air traffic control communication has since drawn attention to the emergency, with the pilot reporting an alarming descent before the aircraft hit the ground.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the deaths of all nine occupants. The aircraft, registered as N722BD, came down near Greenacres in Palm Beach County, close to a residential area and a mobile home park.
The impact triggered a fire, with footage from the scene showing flames rising from the wreckage. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims, while the cause of the crash remains unknown.
Final radio exchange captures pilot’s Mayday call
The air traffic control recording reportedly captures the crew discussing turbulence and icing conditions during the flight towards Freeport in the Bahamas.
The pilots were heard discussing the possibility of finding smoother air. The reported outside temperature was minus 47 degrees Celsius.
The exchange then turned into an emergency as the pilot declared a Mayday and reported a rapid loss of altitude.
“722 Bravo Delta… we’re descending 8,000—Mayday, Mayday! We’re descending 10,000 feet per minute!” the pilot said in the recording.
The controller acknowledged the distress call and offered assistance. The crew subsequently reported that the aircraft was overspeeding, with its descent rate increasing further.
The controller attempted to keep the pilots engaged, telling them they could choose any altitude and reassuring them: “I’m here with you. Talk to me.”
The pilot later warned that the aircraft was about to hit the ground. The recording reportedly captured another update about the aircraft’s descent and steep banking before communication ended.
While the recording provides details of the crew’s final exchange, it does not establish why the aircraft entered the rapid descent. That determination will depend on the findings of the official investigation.
Where did the Learjet 60 crash in Florida?
The aircraft crashed near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in Greenacres, Palm Beach County. The location is a few miles from Palm Beach International Airport.
Emergency services rushed to the area after the incident. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed roads in both directions and asked motorists to avoid the crash site.
The aircraft came down close to homes and a mobile home park. However, authorities had not confirmed any casualties on the ground in the reports available.
FAA and NTSB begin investigation into deadly crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash.
Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight information, weather conditions and the aircraft’s final communications to establish what happened before impact.
The reported turbulence and icing conditions, as well as the pilot’s account of the aircraft’s rapid descent, may form part of the inquiry. However, no official cause has been established.
The identities of the nine people aboard had not been released in the available reports as the investigation continued.
