“We’re out of time”: Nine killed in Florida Learjet crash
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Warning: The article contains distressing content.
Nine people aboard a Learjet 60 were killed when the private jet crashed into a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, 1 November. The aircraft was flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it came down near Military Trail in Greenacres.
The jet involved in the Greenacres, Florida accident is believed to be a Learjet 60, registered as N722BD. The aircraft departed Austin, Texas, bound for North Eleuthera, Bahamas. According to Flightradar24 data, it experienced a sudden descent in altitude while flying near Greenacres, Florida.
— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) November 1, 2026
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the accident in a post on X, confirming that all nine occupants had died.
Today’s plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida is a horrific tragedy Here’s what we know: – At 12:50 PM ET, a Learjet 60 crashed in a neighborhood near Cresthaven, FL – All 9 people on board were killed – The aircraft departed from Austin, Texas, and was headed to the Bahamas – The FAA is sending a team to the scene to support the @NTSB’s investigation Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost — @FAANews & @USDOT are closely monitoring this crash and will share updates as we learn more
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 1, 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement on the accident, confirming the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would lead the investigation.
Videos posted online show the aircraft descending steeply before striking the ground beside a road and erupting into flames. The impact left a large crater near a residential mobile home park.
BREAKING: New footage captures the aircraft crash in Greenacres, Florida. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft that crashed is a business jet. https://t.co/pMEsJerhgZ
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) November 1, 2026
Palm Beach County officials said about 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community had been evacuated and would need temporary accommodation as the crash site blocked access to their homes.
“Our priority is evacuating the adjacent community right behind,” County Commissioner Joel G. Flores told reporters.
The county arranged two emergency shelters, with Red Cross assistance, and Palm Tran buses transported displaced residents.
Learjet pilots reported icing and turbulence before fatal descent
According to flight-tracking data published by Flightradar24, the aircraft was a 2004-manufactured Learjet 60 registered N722BD, serial number 60-271.
The jet departed Austin at 15:37 UTC and travelled east towards the Bahamas. At approximately 17:35 UTC, it began descending to 35,000 feet as it approached southwest Florida.
ADS-B data and what we know so far about the crash of N722BD earlier today near West Palm Beach, Florida. https://t.co/qduco0TxEs https://t.co/hHMpOKznyr
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) November 1, 2026
Air traffic control recordings reviewed by Flightradar24 indicate that the pilots reported icing conditions, moderate turbulence and precipitation. They requested a climb to 37,000 feet to find smoother flying conditions. But not long after receiving clearance, the crew reported an uncontrolled descent.
A pilot declared an emergency and reported that the aircraft was descending at 10,000 feet per minute. The rate later increased to more than 20,000 feet per minute.
The pilot warned controllers that the aircraft was going to crash. Audio circulating online and reported by several outlets appears to capture a voice saying, “We’re out of time” shortly before impact.
Flightradar24 reported that the aircraft’s vertical descent rate exceeded 32,000 feet per minute. Its last recorded altitude was 8,750 feet at 17:49:22 UTC.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported in the area at the time. However, investigators have not yet determined whether weather conditions contributed to the accident.
The FAA’s registration records identify the aircraft’s registered owner as a Delaware corporation.
The identities of the nine people killed have not been publicly released.
NTSB launches investigation into Florida Learjet crash
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the crash site, describing it as a major tragedy.
“It looked like a missile going down; it left a big crater on the side of the road,” DeSantis said during a press conference near the impact site, as reported by Local News 10.
The NTSB dispatched investigators to examine the wreckage, flight data, weather conditions and the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s final descent.
NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Sunday’s crash of a Learjet 60 airplane in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Investigators are arriving at the accident site today and tomorrow morning. Media briefing will be held in West Palm Beach on Monday. Time and location to be announced here Monday morning.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) November 1, 2026
Bombardier, which manufactured the Learjet 60, said it would fully support the investigation and cooperate with authorities as necessary.
The company said in a statement reported by Telemundo 51 that it was deeply saddened by the accident but would not comment on its possible cause while the investigation remained underway.
