PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida — All nine people aboard a private Learjet 60 died Sunday, November 1, after the aircraft plunged into a residential area near Greenacres and erupted in flames, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.
Jet was flying from Texas to the Bahamas
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the jet crashed near Cresthaven at approximately 12:50 p.m. Eastern time. It had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The aircraft went down near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North in Palm Beach County.
Local emergency personnel responded to flames, smoke and scattered debris near a roadway. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office closed Military Trail in both directions and urged motorists to avoid the area. The duration of the closure had not been confirmed at the time of this report.
What investigators know — and what remains uncertain
According to The Associated Press, air traffic recordings indicate pilots reported turbulence, icing and precipitation before the aircraft entered a rapid descent. The pilot declared an emergency. Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash, and reported weather conditions should not be treated as a confirmed explanation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said officials had received no immediate reports of deaths or injuries on the ground. Authorities were also helping approximately 600 people displaced from a nearby mobile-home community find shelter while the area was secured. Those early assessments may change as emergency responders complete their work.
Federal investigation underway
The NTSB is deploying investigators to the crash scene, with assistance from the FAA. Officials had not publicly identified the nine people aboard when the death toll was confirmed. Investigators will examine available flight records, aircraft evidence and other information before determining what happened.
This is a developing report. KNN will distinguish verified official updates from preliminary claims as the investigation proceeds.
Sources and further reporting
- NBC 6 South Florida — live Palm Beach County crash updates
- Associated Press — federal statements, flight timeline and investigation
- WPLG Local 10 — local road closure and NTSB response
Photo note: The accompanying image is a stock photograph of a business jet, not the aircraft involved in this crash. Photo by Jimmy Liu via Unsplash.
