Nine killed in Florida Learjet crash after pilots report icing and turbulence

Nine people were killed when a Learjet 60 crashed in Florida’s Palm Beach County on November 1, 2026, after its crew reported icing and turbulence, requested a climb and then declared an emergency during a rapid descent. 

The aircraft was flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport (ELH) in the Bahamas. The Learjet crashed near Cresthaven at approximately 12:50 local time, according to the FAA. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that everyone aboard died. 

Dashcam video shows the jet descending almost vertically beneath dark clouds before striking the ground beside a busy road and erupting in a fireball. The impact left a large crater near homes and passing vehicles. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of anyone on the ground being killed or injured. In still frames from the dashcam video, the Learjet appears to be missing its horizontal stabilizer.

Minutes before the crash, the crew reported turbulence causing altitude deviations of as much as 700 feet, according to air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC. 

“We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,” the pilot told controllers. 

The crew subsequently reported precipitation and requested a climb. Shortly afterward, the pilot declared an emergency, reporting descent rates increasing from 8,000 to 10,000 and then 20,000 feet per minute, along with an overspeed condition. 

Flightradar24 identified the aircraft as N722BD. Its tracking data showed the jet departing Austin at 09:37 local time and flying east toward the Bahamas. 

Near Naples, Florida, the aircraft began descending toward 35,000 feet. The crew later requested a climb to 37,000 feet. 

The aircraft briefly climbed at approximately 12:48 before entering a steep descending right turn. Its reported descent rate exceeded 32,000 feet per minute, with the last altitude received by Flightradar24 showing 8,750 feet at 12:49:22.  

Rain and strong thunderstorms were affecting South Florida that day. The National Weather Service said an upper-level low moving over the state was bringing moisture and widespread storms. A flood watch covered Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties at the time of the crash. 

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North as emergency crews worked at the scene. Local officials were arranging shelter and assistance for approximately 600 nearby residents affected by the crash. 

Authorities had not released the occupants’ names or confirmed how many were passengers and crew. 

The NTSB is leading the investigation, with FAA assistance. The board dispatched investigators to arrive Sunday and Monday and announced plans for a November 2 media briefing in West Palm Beach. The post Nine killed in Florida Learjet crash after pilots report icing and turbulence appeared first on AeroTime.

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