Learjet Plunges at 30,000 Feet Per Minute, Killing All Nine in Palm Beach Crash

The aircraft fell from the sky at a vertical speed exceeding 30,000 feet per minute before striking the ground in Florida's Palm Beach County. All nine individuals aboard the Learjet 60 were killed in the impact. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy labeled the event a horrific tragedy after confirming the fatalities.

The crash occurred during stormy weather near Greenacres. The jet had departed from Austin Bergstrom International Airport in Texas with a destination of the Bahamas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Footage recorded the plane nosediving and erupting into flames just meters from local homes. The impact created a large crater in the pavement and set fire to a nearby utility pole.

Unverified audio from the cockpit appears to capture the pilot declaring a Mayday call. The recording includes screams and the pilot stating, “We’re descending at 20,000ft per minute and banking 60 degrees. Look outside. Holy f***, we’re out of time.” The identity of the pilot has not been released.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office authorities closed Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North immediately after the incident. Both northbound and southbound lanes remain shut until further notice. Officials advised motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid the area.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA have opened a joint investigation into the crash. It is currently unclear if the rapid descent caused injuries on the ground. No reports have confirmed survivors among the nine passengers on board.

The road closure remains in effect as investigators work the scene. The sheriff’s office stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.