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Private Learjet Crashes into Palm Beach Residential Road, Killing Nine

Investigators from the FAA and NTSB are collecting evidence at the scene while officials say the cause is unknown and a formal probe will take months.

Overview

  • The Learjet 60 (N722BD) crashed in Greenacres, Palm Beach County, on Sunday and exploded on Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North.
  • All nine people aboard were confirmed dead, no ground fatalities have been reported, and emergency crews evacuated about 600 residents and opened shelters for displaced people.
  • Videos, flight-tracking services and LiveATC audio show the jet entered an extreme, very rapid descent and the crew reported icing, turbulence and issued Mayday calls before impact.
  • The crash created a large fire, a crater in the roadway, downed power lines and destroyed at least one motorhome, prompting lane closures and ongoing recovery work.
  • The FAA and NTSB have taken charge of the investigation, with teams on site to collect wreckage and data; a preliminary factual update is expected in the coming weeks and a final report could take many months.