Learjet 60 Crash in Florida: Nine Dead in Greenacres Plane Crash

All nine people aboard a Learjet 60 died after it crashed near Greenacres, Florida. FAA and NTSB investigators are examining the incident.

GREENACRES, FLORIDA: A Learjet 60 business aircraft crashed near South Military Trail in Greenacres, Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, November 1, killing all nine people aboard, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

The aircraft, registered as N722BD, reportedly plunged from the sky before striking the ground near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North. The impact triggered a major fire, scattered wreckage across the area and left a large crater near a residential neighbourhood.

The aircraft had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.

Nine People Confirmed Dead

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died in the crash. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and said the FAA would send a team to support the investigation.

Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of those killed. It also remains unclear whether anyone on the ground was injured.

Aircraft Reportedly Entered an Extremely Rapid Descent

Preliminary flight-tracking information indicates that the Learjet departed Austin at approximately 15:37 UTC on Sunday. It climbed to around 41,000 feet before continuing towards Florida.

Tracking data reportedly showed the aircraft entering a rapid descent shortly before impact. Some aviation reports have cited a descent rate exceeding 30,000 feet per minute during the final moments.

CNN, citing ADS-B Exchange flight-tracking information, reported that the aircraft lost approximately 27,000 feet in about one minute. These figures describe preliminary tracking data; they do not establish what caused the aircraft to descend.

Fire and Emergency Response at the Crash Site

The aircraft struck the ground near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, close to a residential area. Videos and photographs from the scene showed flames, thick smoke and scattered aircraft debris.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the aircraft incident was under investigation and announced the closure of northbound and southbound lanes of Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North.

Greenacres Fire Rescue also sent four units to assist emergency responders, including with potential firefighting and triage operations. Motorists were advised to avoid the area.

FAA and NTSB to Investigate

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead.

Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage, flight-tracking records, air traffic control communications, maintenance history and weather conditions.

Although the rapid descent has attracted attention, authorities have not announced an official cause. It would be premature to attribute the crash to mechanical failure, weather, pilot actions or any other factor before the investigation is completed.

The identities of the victims, the possibility of injuries on the ground and further details about the aircraft's final moments remain subjects for official confirmation.

News National will update this report as investigators and local authorities release verified information.

By News National Editorial Team

Source Transparency

This report is based on reporting by the Associated Press, CNN, WPBF and local Florida news coverage, along with statements attributed to the FAA, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Transportation Secretary. Flight-tracking figures are preliminary and should not be treated as an official explanation of the crash.