ALL nine people aboard a Learjet 60 were killed when the aircraft crashed near a residential neighbourhood in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday afternoon.
The jet, which departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, crashed near Cresthaven at about 12.50pm, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people on board had died, describing the incident as a “horrific tragedy”.
“Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those we lost,” he said in a social media post.
The identities of those killed have not been released.
NBC news reported that air traffic control recordings captured a crew member issuing a mayday call and reporting an extremely rapid descent.
“Mayday, mayday. We’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,” she said, later reporting that the aircraft was descending at 20,000 feet per minute.
“We’re gonna crash into the ground 722 Bravo Delta,” she said, before screaming.
About two minutes earlier, she had reported “light, clear ice”, which she described as manageable, as well as moderate turbulence. She later reported precipitation and requested to climb to a higher altitude.
A flood watch was in effect for southern Florida on Sunday, with showers and scattered thunderstorms forecast to continue through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the crash as “cataclysmic”, saying the aircraft had left a large crater in the road and scattered debris over a considerable area.
“It looked like a missile going down. It left a big crater on the side of the road,” he told reporters.
DeSantis said there were no reports of injuries or deaths among people on the ground.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the aircraft incident was under investigation near Military Trail, with all northbound and southbound lanes closed until further notice.
Residents of a nearby mobile home park were being evacuated, with Palm Beach County District 3 Commissioner Joel Flores saying about 600 people needed to be provided with shelter for the night.
The aircraft was registered to a limited liability company in Delaware, according to FAA records.
Learjet manufacturer Bombardier said it was deeply saddened by the incident and extended its sympathies to those affected.
“We cannot comment on the potential cause of this accident until the investigation is complete and we will fully support the investigating authorities and cooperate as needed,” the company said in a statement.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. - November 2, 2026
