Learjet 60 Plunged at 30,000 Feet Per Minute Before Hitting Greenacres Road

A Learjet 60 crashed into a residential area in Greenacres, Florida, at 12:50 p.m. on Sunday, killing all nine people on board. The aircraft struck the ground near a busy roadway in Palm Beach County, creating a large crater and a fireball that narrowly missed nearby homes. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the death toll on social media, describing the incident as a horrific tragedy.

The plane originated from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was scheduled to fly to the Bahamas. It was traveling east at an altitude of 35,000 feet when the pilots contacted air traffic control. They reported encountering turbulence, icing, and precipitation. The crew requested to climb an additional 2,000 feet to escape the weather conditions.

Flight tracking data and air traffic control recordings show the jet began a rapid descent shortly after the request. The initial rate of descent was 10,000 feet per minute. This accelerated to 20,000 feet per minute and eventually reached 30,000 feet per minute. The plane exceeded its design speed limits during this steep dive. A pilot declared an emergency and issued distress calls while the aircraft banked sharply to the right.

The pilot provided updates to controllers regarding the severity of the weather. "We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence," the pilot stated. Minutes later, the situation changed. The pilot reported that the aircraft was descending at 8,000 feet per minute and issued a mayday call. The rate of descent increased to 10,000 feet per minute. The pilot later reported an overspeed condition with a descent rate of 20,000 feet per minute.

In final communications, the pilot acknowledged the impending impact. "We're going to crash into the ground," the pilot radioed. Video from vehicles on the roadway captured the jet falling from the sky. The impact sent flames and smoke into the air. Chunks of pavement surrounded the resulting crater. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people standing near the debris and expressing shock at how close the crash site was to passing traffic.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the scene and told reporters there were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths on the ground. He described the crash as cataclysmic, noting it looked like a missile hitting the road. Rain was falling in the region at the time of the crash. The National Weather Service had a flood watch in effect through Monday afternoon due to excessive rainfall.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration providing support. NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the site on Sunday and Monday. A media briefing is scheduled for Monday in West Palm Beach. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash or identified the individuals aboard the private aircraft.

Steve Arroyo, an aviation safety expert, noted that icing and turbulence could have contributed to the accident. He suggested the plane may have stalled while cruising at 34,000 feet. He stated that investigators will consider all potential factors, including the pilot's response to the reported weather conditions. No conclusions have been reached at this early stage.

Palm Beach County officials evacuated approximately 600 people from a mobile home community near the crash site. The roadway remains closed until further notice. Greenacres is a city of 45,000 residents located about seven miles southwest of West Palm Beach. Jim Reynolds, a spokesperson for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, confirmed the jet was a private aircraft but could not provide details on the occupants.