Florida Private Jet Crash: 9 Dead in Learjet 60

A private jet crash in Florida killed all nine people on board on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when a Learjet 60 plunged nose-first into a residential neighborhood in Palm Beach County. The Florida private jet crash happened around 12:50 p.m. local time near Greenacres, about nine miles from President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, according to officials. No one on the ground was reported injured, but the aircraft exploded into a fireball and left a crater beside a busy road.

What happened in the Learjet 60 crash?

The Learjet 60, registration N722BD and operated by Delaware-based LR60271 LLC, had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. While cruising at 35,000 feet, the pilots reported light clear ice, -47°C temperatures and moderate turbulence, then requested a climb to 37,000 feet. The incident follows other private aviation safety concerns that have drawn scrutiny.

According to flight-tracking data, the jet fell from 35,250 feet to 8,750 feet in about one minute, reaching descent rates above 30,000 feet per minute.

Final radio calls reveal panic

Air traffic control audio released by LiveATC captured the crew's distress. 'We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,' a pilot said. Moments later the situation deteriorated. 'Mayday, mayday, we're descending 10,000 feet per minute,' followed by 'We're descending at 20,000 feet per minute, we have an overspeed.' The final words heard were 'We're going down. We have no time.'

Impact and emergency response

The aircraft struck near Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, narrowly missing homes and a mobile home park. The explosion severed power lines and water mains and scattered debris. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the scene. 'It looked like a missile going down,' DeSantis said, calling the crash 'cataclysmic.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called it 'a horrific tragedy.'

About 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community were evacuated to two county shelters as Florida emergency management teams worked to secure the site.

Investigation into the Florida private jet crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A go-team was dispatched to examine wreckage, flight data and weather conditions. Thunderstorms were reported in the area, and investigators are focusing on possible icing and an overspeed event. Unlike commercial airline accident investigations, this crash involved a 22-year-old twin-engine business jet, which may carry different flight-data recording requirements.

FAQ: Florida private jet crash

How many people died in the Florida private jet crash?

Nine people aboard the Learjet 60 died; no ground fatalities were reported.

Where did the private jet crash in Florida?

It crashed near Military Trail in Greenacres/Cresthaven, Palm Beach County, about nine miles from Mar-a-Lago.

What caused the Learjet 60 to crash?

The cause is under NTSB investigation; pilots reported icing, turbulence and an overspeed before the steep dive.

Was the plane headed to the Bahamas?

Yes, it departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was bound for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.

Did anyone on the ground get hurt?

No ground injuries were reported, but about 600 residents were evacuated.