GREENACRES, Fla. (TNND) — A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area on Sunday, killing nine people, authorities confirmed.
The private jet departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport en route to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. At approximately 12:48 p.m., the aircraft experienced a rapid descent and crashed, igniting a fire and leaving a significant crater at the site. Emergency services from local fire and police departments responded, and debris prompted the evacuation of around 600 residents from a nearby mobile home park.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the crew had communicated incidents of light clear ice and turbulence shortly before the crash. Witnesses reported seeing flames erupt upon impact, which led to several fires in the vicinity.
The co-pilot has been identified as 20-year-old Nathalia Filgueiras of Boca Raton, who was previously interviewed about her piloting career. Her family confirmed her identity following the incident.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the crash as “devastating” and underscored the community's need for support. Investigations into the cause are ongoing. There have been no confirmations of injuries among residents on the ground at this time.