NTSB: Plane broke apart before Florida crash

The National Transportation Safety Board reported early indications that a Learjet 60 began breaking apart before it struck the ground. The aircraft crashed near Palm Springs, Florida, on Sunday, killing all nine people on board.

The jet departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at approximately 10:37 a.m. Sunday. It was bound for North Eleuthera in the Bahamas with two crew members and seven passengers. The plane communicated with air traffic control while en route. At 12:47 p.m., the crew reported light icing and moderate turbulence. They were flying at 35,000 feet with altitude deviations of about 700 feet. The outside temperature was minus 53 degrees Fahrenheit.

The crew later requested permission to climb to 37,000 feet. Air traffic control approved the request. Less than 30 seconds later, the plane transmitted a mayday call. The crew announced an overspeed condition and a rapid descent. Subsequent communications described the aircraft losing altitude quickly.

Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot reporting a descent rate of 10,000 feet per minute. The pilot later reported an overspeed condition and a descent of 20,000 feet per minute. The pilot stated the aircraft was banking at 60 degrees. The final transmission included the phrase 'Look outside.' The cockpit audio also captured the statement 'We are gonna crash into the ground.'

NTSB Member Tom Chapman briefed the media on Monday. He stated that investigators arrived at the scene Sunday evening. The agency is working to recover the main wreckage from a roadway. Debris scattered near homes and businesses in the area. One person in a vehicle left the area with a leg injury. Palm Beach County is under a state of emergency. Officials believe hundreds of people were evacuated.

The co-pilot was identified as Nathalia Gadelha, 20. She earned her private pilot license at age 17. Her family said she was pursuing a career as a commercial airline pilot. Authorities have not yet released the names of the other eight victims. Medical examiners are currently assessing the remains.

Chapman said the NTSB will not determine the probable cause at the crash scene. Investigators are examining weather conditions and the history of the aircraft model. They are also working to recover the cockpit voice recorder. The agency expects several days of work at the site. Weather conditions are delaying some operations. Witnesses are encouraged to email the NTSB for information.

Officials are administering transportation vouchers to affected residents. Palm Beach County is coordinating with nonprofits to provide temporary housing. Portable showers are expected at local shelters. Businesses in the impact zone are receiving assistance to remain open. The NTSB did not provide a timeline for the final investigation report.