Learjet plunges 30,000 feet per minute before hitting Palm Beach County road

The private jet descended at a rate of 30,000 feet per minute in its final moments. That speed pushed the aircraft beyond its design limits just before it struck the ground in South Florida. Nine people were on board. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine were killed in the crash.

The Learjet 60 crashed at 12:50 p.m. in Palm Beach County. The aircraft was traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to the Bahamas. It was cruising at 35,000 feet when the pilots reported turbulence, icing, and precipitation. They requested to climb another 2,000 feet. Minutes later, the plane entered a steep dive. Air traffic control recordings show the descent rate increased from 10,000 feet per minute to 20,000 feet per minute, and finally to 30,000 feet per minute.

The pilot declared an emergency and issued distress calls. Radio communications captured by LiveATC.net show the pilot reporting light, clear ice and moderate turbulence. The pilot stated that the jet had a light, clear ice condition that was manageable. As the situation worsened, the pilot radioed that the plane was descending 8,000 feet and then 10,000 feet per minute. The pilot later reported an overspeed condition while descending 20,000 feet per minute. The pilot stated, "We're going to crash into the ground," before the aircraft banked sharply to the right and hit the pavement.

The crash site is in Greenacres, a city of 45,000 people located seven miles southwest of West Palm Beach. The jet hit near a busy roadway. Video from cars on the road shows the aircraft plunging from the sky and erupting in a fireball. Flames surrounded a crater lined with chunks of pavement. Thick black smoke rose from the site. People nearby reported that the plane landed only feet from homes and inches from passing vehicles.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the scene. He described the event as a cataclysmic plane crash that looked like a missile going down. DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths on the ground. Palm Beach County authorities evacuated approximately 600 people from a nearby mobile home community. The road remains closed until further notice.

The Federal Aviation Administration is sending a team to support the National Transportation Safety Board investigation. The NTSB said investigators were expected to arrive at the crash site on Sunday and Monday. A media briefing is scheduled for Monday in West Palm Beach. Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo noted that icing and turbulence could have caused the plane to stall at 34,000 feet. He stated that investigators will consider how the pilot responded to the conditions. Jim Reynolds, a spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, identified the jet as a private aircraft but did not release the names of those on board.

Rain pounded the region on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch due to excessive rainfall that remained in effect through Monday afternoon. The crash occurred while the weather system moved through the area. Authorities continue to secure the site and manage the evacuation of nearby residents.