The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Jet nose-dived onto Florida roadway in ‘cataclysmic’ crash killing all 9 on board
In distressing air traffic control audio, a woman can be heard saying: “We’re gonna crash into the ground,” followed by a scream.
Nine people on board a Learjet 60 were killed in a crash in Florida on Sunday afternoon, authorities said. The flight departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it went down.
The crash occurred near Cresthaven, a residential area in Palm Beach County, around 12:50 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration reported. Video from a dashcam captured the jet nose-diving into a roadway and generating a fiery explosion, with large plumes of fire and smoke at the scene.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the event as “cataclysmic,” noting a large debris field and a crater on the road. Officials said there were no immediate reports of ground casualties, but the incident caused widespread destruction on the roadway and surrounding area.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are leading the investigation. Bombardier, the Learjet manufacturer, expressed condolences and said it would cooperate with investigators and not comment on causes until the investigation concludes.
The crash area near Military Trail led to road closures while the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office evacuated residents of a nearby mobile home park, with authorities estimating about 600 people requiring shelter. A flood watch and weather disturbances were in effect for southern Florida as the investigation proceeded.