Nine dead after LearJet crashes into South Florida street

Nine people died when a LearJet 60 crashed into a roadway in Greenacres, Florida, on Sunday at approximately 12:50 p.m. Eastern Time. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that no one aboard survived the impact, which left a large crater in the street and sent debris scattering across the neighborhood.

The aircraft was traveling from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when it descended rapidly. The crash site is located seven miles southwest of West Palm Beach. Authorities closed Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North to manage the scene and clear debris.

Witnesses described the sound of the impact as resembling a missile or a meteor. Abelino Temaj, a resident near the site, stated that he heard the noise and felt the ground shake immediately afterward. Another man told Telemundo 51 that water gushed from the crater while a large fire burned at the center of the wreckage.

Anthony Blackmon, who lived about 500 feet from the crash, reported that debris struck his home. He noted that the road and surrounding areas were engulfed in flames. Blackmon said he had never seen an accident occur so close to a residence. Roger Forcelle, another local resident, felt the aircraft pass overhead before it hit the ground less than half a mile from his house.

The crash displaced hundreds of people living in a nearby mobile home community. Joel Flores, the District 3 commissioner, said authorities were working to ensure that approximately 600 affected residents had a safe place to stay for the night on Sunday. He added that the impact forced the evacuation of the area to ensure safety.

According to GlobalAir.com, the LearJet 60 is a midsize business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. The aircraft is 58 feet long and has a maximum capacity of two crew members and eight passengers. Its maximum range is slightly more than 2,400 nautical miles. The plane was carrying nine people at the time of the crash.

Air traffic control recordings obtained by LiveATC.net show the pilot reporting clear ice and moderate turbulence while the jet flew east at 35,000 feet. The pilot noted that the ice was light and manageable. Rain was falling across the region on Sunday.

The situation deteriorated quickly as the pilot requested permission to climb another 2,000 feet. He then declared an emergency while the aircraft lost altitude at a rapid rate. The pilot reported a descent of 8,000 feet and then 10,000 feet per minute. He later stated that the jet was in an overspeed condition, descending at 20,000 feet per minute.

In his final radio transmission, the pilot said, "We are going to crash into the ground." The aircraft banked sharply to the right before hitting the roadway and exploding. Federal investigators are expected to provide an update on the cause of the accident on Monday. The identities of the nine victims have not been released.