NINE KILLED AFTER LEARJET 60 CRASHES INTO FLORIDA NEIGHBORHOOD — INVESTIGATORS PROBE FINAL MAYDAY CALL

The private jet was travelling from Texas to the Bahamas when it plunged into a residential area in Palm Beach County, erupting into flames and leaving a large crater.

Nine people were killed after a private Learjet 60 crashed into a residential neighborhood in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, November 1.

The aircraft went down at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, close to the Cresthaven community near Greenacres.

The jet erupted into a massive fireball on impact, sending thick black smoke into the air and scattering debris across the area.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft had died.

Authorities had not released the victims’ identities as of the latest reports.

The aircraft was travelling from Texas to the Bahamas

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Learjet 60 departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.

The aircraft, identified by its registration number N722BD, was carrying nine people when it crashed.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane plunged toward the ground before exploding near homes and a busy roadway.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where fires broke out and a large crater was left in the road.

Officials reported no confirmed deaths on the ground in the immediate aftermath, although the crash caused significant disruption to the surrounding neighborhood.

Around 600 residents were reported to need temporary shelter because of damage and the emergency response.

Pilot reported icing and turbulence before the crash

Investigators are examining the aircraft’s final communications with air traffic control.

According to recordings reviewed by CNN, the pilot reported ice accumulating on the aircraft and moderate turbulence while flying through precipitation.

The crew requested a higher altitude in an effort to find smoother conditions.

Shortly afterward, the pilot reported that the aircraft was descending rapidly and declared an emergency.

In the final radio communications, the crew described an overspeed condition and an extremely rapid loss of altitude before contact was lost.

Flight-tracking data also showed a steep descent shortly before the aircraft struck the ground.

These details are part of the investigation. Officials have not determined whether icing, turbulence, weather conditions or another factor caused the crash.

NTSB leads investigation as residents face disruption

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FAA.

Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage, flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions and communications with air traffic control to establish what happened.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail in both directions near the crash site and urged drivers to avoid the area.

Residents were evacuated while emergency personnel worked to secure the scene and assess damage.

The identities of the nine victims had not yet been publicly released.

For their families, the crash has brought devastating news. For residents of the neighborhood, it has left a frightening reminder of how close the aircraft came to homes and everyday life.

As investigators begin piecing together the final moments of the flight, the cause of the disaster remains unknown.