All nine people aboard a private Learjet 60 were killed after the aircraft crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday afternoon, November 1, according to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Federal aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the deadly crash.

The aircraft departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it went down at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the jet crashed near Cresthaven Boulevard in the Greenacres area of Palm Beach County, close to West Palm Beach. The aircraft came down in a residential neighborhood near Military Trail and erupted into flames.

Duffy described the incident as a horrific tragedy and confirmed that everyone aboard had died. He said the FAA was sending a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with the investigation.

Pilots reported icing and turbulence before crash

Preliminary information from air traffic control recordings indicates that the pilots encountered difficult weather conditions shortly before the crash. The crew reported icing, precipitation and moderate turbulence while flying at approximately 35,000 feet.

The pilots requested permission to climb another 2,000 feet as conditions deteriorated. However, the aircraft subsequently began a rapid descent, with its vertical speed reportedly increasing dramatically.

The crew declared an emergency and transmitted distress calls to air traffic controllers. The aircraft entered a steep descent before striking the ground.

Investigators have not established the cause of the crash. Aviation safety experts have suggested that icing and turbulence could have been contributing factors, but the investigation will examine all possible explanations.

Federal investigators begin probe

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with the FAA providing technical assistance. Investigators were expected to arrive at the crash site on Sunday and Monday, with a media briefing scheduled in West Palm Beach.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the area and described the incident as a catastrophic crash. He said there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities among people on the ground.

Authorities also moved to evacuate approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community as emergency crews secured the area.

The identities of those aboard and the precise circumstances leading to the aircraft’s loss of control had not been officially established in the initial reports.

The investigation will focus on the aircraft’s flight data, weather conditions, possible icing, mechanical performance and the crew’s response to the emergency.