LearJet 60 crashes in Greenacres, killing nine on board

A LearJet 60 executive jet crashed into a roadway in Greenacres, Florida, on Sunday around 12:50 p.m. Eastern Time. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died in the accident. The plane was traveling from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when it struck Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10 North Avenue.

The crash occurred in the Palm Beach County community, located about seven miles southwest of West Palm Beach. The impact created a large crater in the road that continued to burn after the plane hit the ground. Authorities closed the stretch of Military Trail near the crash site. District 3 Commissioner Joel Flores stated that officials were working to provide safe housing for approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community who were displaced by the impact.

The aircraft had been flying east at an altitude of 35,000 feet before the pilots reported weather-related issues. Air traffic control recordings obtained by LiveATC.net show the pilot reporting clear ice and moderate turbulence. The pilot noted that the ice was light and manageable. The situation deteriorated quickly as the jet lost altitude at a rapid pace. The pilot requested permission to climb another 2,000 feet before declaring an emergency.

Radio communications captured during the final minutes of the flight show the pilot describing the rate of descent. The pilot reported a descent rate of 8,000 feet per minute and issued a mayday call. The descent rate increased to 10,000 feet per minute, and the pilot stated the aircraft was in an overspeed condition. The final transmission before impact was a statement that the plane was going to hit the ground. The jet banked sharply to the right before striking the road and exploding.

Witnesses in the area described the crash as a loud explosion similar to a missile or meteor strike. Abelino Temaj, a resident near a mobile home park, said he heard a sound like a missile and felt the ground shake. Another man told Telemundo 51 that he saw water coming from the crater and a large fire. Anthony Blackmon, who lived about 500 feet from the crash site, said debris hit his house and that the road was on fire. Roger Forcelle, another resident, said the aircraft passed over his home shortly before the impact, causing the house to shake. He estimated the crash occurred less than half a mile from his residence.

The LearJet 60 is a midsize executive jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. According to GlobalAir.com, the aircraft has a length of 58 feet and a maximum capacity of two crew members and eight passengers. The jet has a maximum range of more than 2,400 nautical miles. Federal investigators are expected to provide an update on the cause of the crash on Monday. The names and identities of the nine victims have not yet been released.