Key Takeaways
- A Learjet 60 carrying nine people from Austin to the Bahamas crashed into a mobile home park in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Nov. 1, sparking a massive fire and killing multiple people.
- The crew reported turbulence and ice before declaring mayday, warning that the jet had entered an “overspeed condition” and was descending 20,000 feet per minute.
- Authorities continue investigating the cause and have not confirmed an official death toll or whether anyone on the ground suffered injuries.
A private jet carrying nine people crashed into a mobile home park in South Florida on Sunday (Nov. 1), triggering a massive fireball and leaving multiple people dead.
According to the New York Post, the Learjet 60 was traveling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas when it went down shortly after 1 p.m. in Greenacres, a community in Palm Beach County. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that nine people were aboard the aircraft, which had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
Although early reports suggested at least nine people had died, authorities have only confirmed multiple fatalities and have not released an official death toll. It remains unclear whether anyone on the ground was killed or injured.
Audio from air traffic control captured the crew's frantic final moments as the aircraft rapidly lost altitude before crashing into the neighborhood.
According to the New York Post, the pilot initially reported moderate turbulence and "light, clear ice that is manageable" before the situation deteriorated.
"We're descending 8,000, mayday, mayday, we're descending 10,000 feet per minute," the pilot said during the emergency.
The crew also reported that the aircraft was traveling too fast while losing altitude at an alarming rate.
"We are in an overspeed condition, descending 20,000 feet per minute," the pilot said.
As the jet continued falling, the crew warned air traffic control that a crash was imminent.
"We're going to crash into the ground," a female crew member said before screaming.
An air traffic controller attempted to maintain communication, telling the crew, "November two bravo delta, I'm here with you, talk to me."
The crew continued reporting the aircraft's steep descent and banking angle before a female voice delivered one final message.
"Holy fuck we're out of time," she screamed.
According to BocaNewsNow, the aircraft reportedly made a sudden right turn before plunging from approximately 8,000 feet. The jet also struck a tree and brought down power lines before crashing into the residential area.
One witness described the impact as sounding "like a missile."
Footage captured near the scene shows the aircraft crashing into the neighborhood, followed by an enormous explosion that sent flames and thick black smoke into the sky.
Additional video from the aftermath shows extensive wreckage, including the remains of at least one mobile home that appeared to have been destroyed by the impact.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue classified the crash as a "mass casualty incident" as emergency crews responded to the wreckage and worked to secure the surrounding area.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office also announced multiple road closures near the crash site and urged motorists to avoid the neighborhood while first responders continued their work.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined what caused the aircraft to go down.
