Greenacres, Florida

NTSB investigates Learjet 60 crash in Florida that killed nine

A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation is under way following the crash of a Bombardier Learjet 60 in Palm Beach County, Florida, which killed all nine people on board.

The aircraft crashed in a residential area of Greenacres, near West Palm Beach, at approximately 12:50pm local time on Sunday, 1 November. It was carrying two crew members and seven passengers.

The aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas at approximately 10:37am, bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.

According to the NTSB, the crew reported encountering light clear icing and moderate turbulence while cruising at 35,000ft. The pilots subsequently requested permission to climb to 37,000ft, which was approved by air traffic control.

For illustrative purposes only. Not a verified radar track.

Less than 30 seconds later, the aircraft began a rapid descent. The crew declared an emergency and reported an overspeed condition as the rate of descent increased sharply.

Investigators said the aircraft may have begun breaking up before hitting the ground. NTSB board member Tom Chapman said evidence of structural breakup had been identified, with additional aircraft debris potentially scattered some distance from the main impact site.

Weather conditions, including icing, turbulence and heavy rainfall in the area, are among the factors being examined. However, investigators have not established what caused the accident.

The aircraft struck a road close to a mobile home community, creating a substantial impact crater and a widespread debris field. One person in a vehicle nearby sustained a leg injury. Around 600 residents from the surrounding community were evacuated while emergency services and investigators secured the site.

The NTSB is examining the aircraft wreckage, systems, maintenance records and communications with air traffic control. Investigators are also seeking to establish whether the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder, which maintenance records indicate had been installed, was recovered.

The aircraft's operator was identified by investigators as Aurora Aviation, trading as Upper Jet. The Federal Aviation Administration is assisting the NTSB with the investigation.

The cause of the accident remains undetermined.