Nine Killed as Private Learjet 60 Crashes and Erupts Into Flames in Florida
A Learjet 60 travelling from Texas to the Bahamas crashed near a residential community in Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine people aboard and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents.
▶ Watch the videoNine people have died after a private Learjet 60 crashed near a residential community in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The aircraft went down near Military Trail in the Greenacres area at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time, erupting into flames and leaving a large impact crater and debris scattered around the scene.
According to aviation authorities, the aircraft had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the crash occurred.
What happened before the crash?
Air traffic control communications indicate that the pilots reported icing, moderate turbulence and precipitation while flying.
The crew also requested a change in altitude in an attempt to find smoother conditions. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft began a rapid descent, and the pilot declared an emergency.
The aircraft subsequently crashed near the residential community. The exact sequence of events leading to the impact remains under investigation.
Hundreds of residents affected
The crash occurred close to a mobile-home community, prompting an emergency response and the evacuation of approximately 600 residents.
Local authorities worked to arrange temporary shelter for affected residents as emergency crews secured the area and investigators began examining the crash site.
Initial official updates reported no casualties on the ground, although the aircraft's nine occupants were all confirmed dead.
Flight details
- Aircraft: Learjet 60
- Departure: Austin, Texas, United States
- Destination: North Eleuthera, Bahamas
- Crash location: Near Military Trail, Greenacres area, Palm Beach County, Florida
- Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Fatalities: Nine people aboard
Investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight information, weather conditions and other evidence to establish what led to the crash.
Although icing, turbulence and precipitation were reported before the aircraft went down, authorities have not established these conditions as the cause of the accident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further findings are expected as investigators continue their work.