Learjet Plane Crashes in Palm Beach County, Florida

A Learjet 60 carrying an estimated nine people crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday afternoon after experiencing a rapid descent, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The 22-year-old twin-engine aircraft had departed from Austin, Texas, and was heading to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when the crash occurred.

According to authorities, the aircraft crashed near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue, in the Greenacres community of Palm Beach County.

Photos and videos shared online showed the jet striking the ground nose-first before exploding into a massive fireball. The impact reportedly created a large crater near a shopping center. Authorities had not immediately confirmed the number of fatalities or injuries following the incident.

FAA Reports Aircraft’s Rapid Descent Before Crash

The FAA reported that the Learjet experienced a dramatic loss of altitude shortly before hitting the ground.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft descended from approximately 35,250 feet to 8,750 feet in just over one minute. This represented a descent rate of roughly 350 feet per second.

The FAA confirmed that it would investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.

Florida Governor Calls Incident a Major Tragedy

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the incident as a catastrophic aviation accident during a press briefing on Sunday.

“Obviously, this was a cataclysmic plane crash,” DeSantis said. He added that the aircraft appeared to be falling like a missile before striking the ground and leaving a large crater beside the road.

The governor also described the incident as a major tragedy.

Private Company Owned the Aircraft

According to available records, the crashed Learjet belonged to a private company and had previously been used as a rental aircraft.

Investigators from the FAA and NTSB are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data, and other evidence to establish what caused the sudden descent and subsequent crash. The investigation is ongoing, and further details about possible casualties and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected from authorities.