Learjet Crash Kills Nine People in South Florida Mobile Community

A twin-engine Learjet 60 crashed into a residential corridor in Palm Beach County on Sunday afternoon, killing all nine people on board.

The aircraft went down at 12:50 p.m. along Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, near a mobile home community in Greenacres. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that every occupant perished, describing the crash as a horrific tragedy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that no ground casualties had been reported, though approximately 600 residents near the crash zone required temporary shelter or evacuation.

The flight had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was en route to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. Recorded air traffic control communications indicated that the flight crew initially reported light icing, precipitation, and moderate turbulence while cruising at 35,000 feet, requesting permission to climb 2,000 feet. Moments later, the pilot declared an emergency, reporting that the jet had entered an overspeed condition and was descending at rates between 10,000 and 20,000 feet per minute before reporting a 60-degree wing bank.

The impact created a large crater, severing utility poles and igniting a substantial fire near homes and vehicles. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with support from the Federal Aviation Administration.