Nine Dead After Learjet Crashes in South Florida Neighborhood

 

iSpyVNY news - November 1, 2026

 

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Nine people were killed Sunday afternoon when a Learjet 60 crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County, Florida, erupting into a massive fireball near homes and a busy roadway.

 

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the private jet departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when it went down shortly before 1 p.m. near Military Trail and Cresthaven Boulevard.

 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died in the crash.

 

Witnesses described a terrifying scene; dashcam video published by The New York Post captures the horrifying final seconds as the Learjet plummets toward the ground at an astonishing rate of speed, striking the earth with the force of a missile before erupting. The newspaper also released audio of the reported final exchange between air traffic control (ATC) and a female voice believed to be the pilot. The chilling recording captures increasingly frantic communications as the aircraft enters a catastrophic descent. The pilot reports an overspeed condition before shouting, “Mayday, mayday!” She then states, “We’re going to crash into the ground,” followed by a scream.  

 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said there were no reported fatalities on the ground. However, approximately 600 residents were evacuated from the surrounding area as emergency crews responded.

 

Authorities closed Military Trail in both directions and urged motorists to avoid the area.

 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have launched an investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to crash. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records and communications between the pilot and air traffic controllers (ATC).

 

The identities of the nine victims had not been officially released as of Sunday evening. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash.