Learjet 60 from Austin Falls in Florida, Killing All Nine Aboard

A Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday afternoon, killing all nine people on board. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the fatalities on social media, urging the public to pray for the families of the victims. Governor Ron DeSantis stated at a press conference that no one on the ground was injured in the incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported the aircraft crashed just before 1 p.m. local time. The jet had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was scheduled to land in the Bahamas. Jim Reynolds, a spokesperson for the Austin airport, identified the plane as a private aircraft but did not provide details regarding the identities of the passengers or crew.

Air traffic control audio obtained from LiveATC.net captured the final moments of the flight. The pilot reported a descent rate of 10,000 feet per minute. Later, the pilot declared an emergency, shouting that the aircraft was in an overspeed condition and descending at 20,000 feet per minute. The pilot then told the tower, "We're gonna crash .. We're out of time."

The aircraft struck the ground near a mobile home park in the Cresthaven area. Local officials evacuated approximately 600 people from the site. DeSantis described the scene as a massive explosion with debris scattering everywhere, calling it a tragic event. Dashboard cameras from nearby vehicles recorded the jet plunging from the sky.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is dispatching a go-team to investigate the crash. Investigators are expected to arrive later on Sunday and on Monday morning. Authorities have not yet released information on the specific cause of the accident.

The Palm Beach Sheriff's Office closed all northbound and southbound lanes of Military Trail near Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. The road closures will remain in effect until further notice.