What we know about the Florida Learjet crash so far

Nine people were killed when a Learjet 60 crashed near West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday while travelling from Texas to the Bahamas.

The aircraft came down near a residential mobile home community in Greenacres, leaving a large crater and triggering the evacuation of around 600 nearby residents. Videos shared online appear to show the jet descending steeply before bursting into flames on impact.

In the hours since the crash, attention has focused on dramatic air traffic control audio in which the crew reported icing, turbulence and a rapidly worsening emergency.

Investigators have not yet identified a cause, but the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is examining the aircraft’s final moments, weather conditions and flight data.

Here’s what we know so far.

WATCH: New video shows Learjet 60 business jet crashing near West Palm Beach, Florida. The plane was completely disintegrated upon impact. Number of casualties unknown. https://t.co/l5JT9KEWnQ

— BNO News (@BNONews) November 1, 2026

“We’re going to crash into the ground”: Final Learjet cockpit audio emerges after Florida disaster

According to recordings, the final exchanges between the cockpit and air traffic control suggest the crew was dealing with icing conditions and turbulence.

“We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,” the pilot told Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center.

The crew also reported an outside air temperature of minus 47C and asked whether smoother conditions were available ahead as thunderstorms developed in the area.

After telling controllers they were encountering precipitation and requesting a climb to 37,000 feet, the crew declared an emergency.

In the recording, the pilot is heard saying: “We’re descending 8,000 – mayday, mayday – we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute.”

Seconds later, the pilot is then heard saying: “Declaring emergency. We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000ft per minute. We’re going to crash into the ground.”

As air traffic controllers attempted to respond, the aircraft continued to lose altitude.

The pilot is then heard reporting: “We’re descending at 22,000ft.”

Audio circulating online and reported by several outlets appears to capture what is claimed to be a final voice from the cockpit saying: “Look outside. We’re going to die. Holy f*, we’re out of time.”

AGN has not independently verified the recording.

What happened to the Learjet?

According to flight-tracking data published by Flightradar24, the aircraft departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 15:37 UTC bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.

The jet, a 2004 Learjet 60 registered N722BD, was approaching southwest Florida when the crew reported icing conditions, moderate turbulence and precipitation.

After requesting a higher cruising altitude, the crew declared an emergency and reported an uncontrolled descent.

Flightradar24 said the aircraft’s descent rate eventually exceeded 32,000 feet per minute.

Its final recorded altitude was 8,750 feet at 17:49:22 UTC before the signal ended.

Videos shared online appear to show the aircraft descending almost vertically before striking the ground and erupting into flames near Military Trail in Greenacres – just six miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

What caused the Florida Learjet crash?

Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash.

The crew reported icing, turbulence and precipitation during their final communications with air traffic control, while heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported in the area at the time.

However, authorities have not said whether weather conditions contributed to the accident.

The NTSB investigation is expected to examine weather data, aircraft records, air traffic control communications and the wreckage itself.

What have investigators said?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, and has sent a team of specialists to gather evidence. 

Posting on X, they wrote: “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.” 

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.

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

Who owned the Learjet 60?

According to Flightradar24, the aircraft involved was a Learjet 60 manufactured in 2004 and registered as N722BD.

Federal Aviation Administration records identify the registered owner as a Delaware corporation.

Bombardier, the aircraft’s manufacturer, said it was supporting the investigation.

What happened on the ground?

The crash occurred near a residential mobile home park in Palm Beach County. The impact left a large crater and prompted a major emergency response.

Video and audio have been widely shared on social media, with footage showing the jet smashing into the ground and bursting into flames.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Florida governor Rob DeSantis said, “When you see that video, it’s a jarring thing. It was like a missile coming down, and a massive explosion, debris going everywhere.”

Who was onboard the Learjet?

Nine people were on board the aircraft, including seven passengers and two crew members.

Their identities have not yet been publicly released.

This is breaking news, more to follow…