South Florida Jet Crash: Nine Dead After Learjet 60 Hits Residential Area

A private jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in south Florida on Sunday afternoon, killing everyone on board. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the incident occurred at 12:50 p.m. Eastern Time near Cresthaven in Palm Beach County. He described the event as a horrible tragedy.

The aircraft was a Learjet 60. It struck Military Trail at the entrance of a mobile home park. The impact created a large crater and sent debris flying across the surrounding area. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reported that the crash caused substantial damage to local infrastructure and required the closure of several roads.

Approximately 600 residents from the mobile home community are being evacuated to two county shelters. This relocation is happening while federal agents conduct their investigation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that no people on the ground were killed or injured in the crash. He noted that the plane appeared to fall like a missile and that debris scattered over a wide distance.

DeSantis warned that some utility services might be suspended due to the damage. He indicated that road closures would likely remain in place for the near future. Authorities expect the affected section of Military Trail to stay closed for 30 days, with alternative routes being established for traffic.

Preliminary data suggests the jet entered the core of a thunderstorm near Wellington minutes before the crash. Radar analysis from the Miami next generation weather radar showed the aircraft climbed about 450 feet inside the storm core. It then entered a spiral dive and impacted the ground 76 seconds later. This information was reported by Live Storm Chasers.

Air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC.net provide audio from the pilot’s final minutes. The pilot reported light clear ice and moderate turbulence shaking the plane up to 700 feet. The pilot stated, "We have light clear ice, manageable, and moderate turbulence." The situation deteriorated rapidly as the pilot detected precipitation and requested a climb. An emergency was declared when the aircraft began losing altitude at an alarming rate.

The pilot communicated a descent rate of 8,000 feet per minute before increasing it to 10,000 feet per minute. He later reported an overspeed condition with a descent rate of 20,000 feet per minute. In his final transmission, he warned, "We are going to crash into the ground." Officials have not yet released details about the individuals aboard the private aircraft.