AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a deadly plane crash that killed nine people in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Learjet 60 was en route from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the Bahamas with two crew members and seven passengers when it crashed. The jet took off around 10:37 a.m. Eastern Time and reported managing light clear ice and moderate turbulence at 12:47 p.m., approximately two hours later.
According to NTSB member Tom Chapman, the crew requested a climb to 37,000 feet, which was approved. “Less than 30 seconds later, a transmission announced the descent, followed by a mayday call,” Chapman said. The last transmission at 12:48 p.m. indicated the aircraft was in an overspeed condition.
Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, a former U.S. Navy pilot, noted that Learjet 60s are not designed for icy conditions, stating, “Icing is deadly.” Chapman added that investigators have evidence suggesting some breakup of the aircraft occurred prior to impact.
The NTSB continues to gather information and has not confirmed the crash's cause. Emergency services responded to the scene, and the investigation is ongoing, with lane closures in the area as crews work.