In brief
A Learjet 60 operating from Austin to the Bahamas crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County, killing all nine on board. Officials reported no ground casualties, and the NTSB has opened an inquiry. Statements from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the tragedy, while cockpit recordings suggest possible ice‑related issues before the aircraft lost altitude.
A Learjet 60 carrying nine people crashed into a residential neighborhood in Palm Beach County, South Florida, on Sunday, killing everyone on board. The private jet was flying from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas when a catastrophic failure forced a high‑speed impact and subsequent explosion.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters at the scene that there were no casualties on the ground. He described the crash as "cataclysmic," saying the jet "looked like a missile going down," and noted a large crater on the side of the road.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted a statement on X calling the incident a "horrific tragedy." He added that Federal Aviation Administration staff were en route to the site to support the National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
LiveATC.net released cockpit recordings taken shortly before the crash. In the recordings the pilot discussed "manageable" ice issues and later described the plane as rapidly losing altitude. The crew then remarked, "We’re going to crash into the ground."
Local officials have confirmed that the crash site was just metres from homes and cars, but have not yet identified any individuals aboard the aircraft. The NTSB has opened a formal investigation and is reviewing the aviation recordings and flight data recorders.
