Learjet crash in Florida kills nine, forces mobile home evacuation

A LearJet 60 crashed into a roadway in Greenacres, Florida, killing all nine people on board on Sunday afternoon. The aircraft, which was traveling from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas, impacted the ground at approximately 12:50 p.m. Eastern Time. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were no survivors. The crash site is located seven miles southwest of West Palm Beach, leaving a large crater in the road.

The impact occurred near a mobile home community, displacing hundreds of residents. District 3 Commissioner Joel Flores stated that officials were working to ensure approximately 600 affected individuals had safe shelter for the night. Military Trail was closed between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10 North Avenue following the incident. Witnesses described the scene as a ball of fire and a massive hole in the ground, with debris scattered across nearby properties.

Air traffic control recordings indicate the pilot reported clear ice and moderate turbulence while flying east at 35,000 feet. The pilot noted that the turbulence shook the jet down to 700 feet. After requesting to climb an additional 2,000 feet, the pilot declared an emergency as the aircraft lost altitude rapidly. The jet was descending at a rate of 10,000 feet per minute before the speed increased to 20,000 feet per minute.

In a final transmission, the pilot stated the aircraft was in an overspeed condition. The pilot told controllers, "We are going to crash into the ground." The LearJet, manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace, has a maximum range of slightly more than 2,400 nautical miles. It is designed for two crew members and eight passengers. The aircraft tilted sharply to the right before it hit the ground and exploded.

Resident Anthony Blackmon, who lived 500 feet from the crash site, said debris struck his home and the road caught fire. Another resident, Roger Forcelle, reported feeling the plane pass overhead and cause his house to vibrate. He described seeing a plume of smoke rise from the area. Abelino Temaj compared the sound of the impact to a missile. Investigators are expected to provide an update on the cause of the crash on Monday.