Learjet 60 Crash: Pilot Reported Icing and Turbulence Before Mayday as NTSB Opens Investigation

Air traffic control recordings are giving the first detailed picture of the final minutes of the Learjet 60 that crashed near Greenacres, Florida, on Sunday afternoon and killed all nine people aboard. The crew reported ice and turbulence, asked to climb and then declared an emergency as the jet plunged, according to the Associated Press. Federal investigators are now at the scene. As of early Monday, Nov. 2, the victims had not been publicly identified.

WPBF reported that the crash is the deadliest in Palm Beach County’s history.

What the pilot told air traffic control

According to the AP, the jet was flying east at about 35,000 feet when the crew reported turbulence, icing and precipitation and asked to climb 2,000 feet. In recordings captured by LiveATC.net, the pilot first described the conditions as manageable.

“We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,” the pilot told controllers, per the AP. The turbulence was jolting the plane by as much as 700 feet. WPBF reported that the pilot also gave an outside air temperature of minus 47 degrees Celsius.

The situation then got worse quickly. “We’re descending 8,000 – mayday, mayday – we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,” the pilot radioed. A moment later: “We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute,” and finally, “We’re going to crash into the ground.”

How fast was the Learjet descending?

The AP reported, based on the radio calls and flight-tracking data, that the dive went from 10,000 feet per minute to 20,000 and as much as 30,000 feet per minute. That pushed the jet beyond its design limits. The plane then banked sharply to the right before hitting the ground at a steep angle.

WPBF cited ADS-B Exchange data showing a drop of about 27,000 feet in roughly one minute before tracking stopped. A private analysis described by WPBF said the jet appeared to hit a storm core before the climb and then went into a spiraling dive. Scattered storms were in the area at the time, and a flood watch was in effect.

These recordings and data are early evidence, not findings. The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation, has not announced a cause.

Who was on the plane that crashed?

Officials have not released the names of the nine people aboard. An Austin-Bergstrom International Airport spokesperson told the AP that it was a private aircraft but could not give details about who was on the flight. Identification normally follows notification of families, and this post will not repeat unconfirmed names that are circulating online.

The Diocese of Palm Beach said Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez would offer an All Souls’ Day memorial Mass on Monday morning for the nine victims, according to WPBF.

N722BD: what is known about the jet

WPBF reported that the Learjet 60, tail number N722BD, is registered to a Delaware LLC in FAA records and is listed online as available for charter. It left Austin, Texas, for North Eleuthera in the Bahamas and crashed at about 12:50 p.m. ET Sunday.

According to Flight Safety Foundation data cited by WPBF, it is the deadliest crash ever involving a Learjet 60. The Learjet 60 is a midsize twin-engine business jet. Bombardier ended all new Learjet production in 2022 but still supports the aircraft in service.

NTSB investigation: what happens next

The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation and provide all updates. WPBF reported that NTSB investigators arrived Sunday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA is sending a team to support the safety board, per the AP. Investigators will typically examine the wreckage, weather, maintenance records and the crew’s history. A preliminary report usually comes within weeks, and a probable cause can take a year or more.

Greenacres, Palm Springs and Military Trail impact

The jet came down near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, near the only entrance to the Cresthaven mobile home park, WPBF said. Officials reported no injuries on the ground.

• About 600 residents are being relocated. Some told WPTV they hadn’t been allowed back in to get their belongings.
• Military Trail between 10th Avenue North and Purdy Lane/Alameda Drive is closed indefinitely because of a large crater. Detours use 10th Avenue North, Purdy Lane/Alameda Drive, Haverhill Road and Kirk Road.
• John I. Leonard High School is closed Monday, WPTV reported.
• The neighboring Village of Palm Springs asked people to avoid the area and said its utility crews were monitoring water and sewer service.

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Earlier coverage: Learjet 60 Crash in Palm Beach County: All 9 Aboard Killed as Jet Hits Greenacres Neighborhood (Nov 1)