AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a plane crash in West Palm Beach, Florida, that killed nine individuals.
The Learjet 60 was en route from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) to the Bahamas, carrying two crew members and seven passengers when it went down. According to the NTSB, the jet departed ABIA around 10:37 a.m. Eastern Time.
Approximately two hours into the flight, at 12:47 p.m., the crew reported light clear icing and moderate turbulence at 35,000 feet, requesting to climb to 37,000 feet. Less than 30 seconds later, the crew declared a mayday, reporting, “We are in an overspeed condition, descending.”
Investigators are assessing weather conditions as a potential factor, as well as damage to the aircraft prior to impact. NTSB member Tom Chapman stated there is evidence of aircraft breakup before the crash occurred.
Former Navy fighter pilot Matthew “Whiz” Buckley noted that Learjet 60s are not designed to handle icing effectively, which could have altered the wing's aerodynamics and increased stall speed.
The NTSB has not officially confirmed the crash's cause. The investigation remains ongoing.