9 killed as Learjet plunges into Florida neighbourhood after Mayday call

New Delhi: Nine people were killed when a private Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday. The Bahamas-bound aircraft plunged beside a busy road and exploded, leaving a crater close to homes.

US transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, confirmed that everyone aboard had died, describing the crash as a “horrific tragedy”. Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries on the ground.

The aircraft, registered N722BD, departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas for North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An Austin airport spokesperson confirmed it was a private flight; authorities had not identified those aboard.

The jet crashed at about 12.50pm local time near military trail and 10th avenue north, close to Greenacres and southwest of West Palm Beach. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 identified the aircraft as a Bombardier Learjet 60 manufactured in 2004.

Air traffic control recordings captured the crew reporting icing, precipitation and moderate turbulence while travelling east at about 35,000 feet. According to the Associated Press, a pilot described light, clear ice as manageable but said turbulence was causing altitude changes of up to 700 feet.

Seeking smoother conditions, the crew requested permission to climb to 37,000 feet. Shortly after receiving clearance, the aircraft briefly climbed before banking sharply to the right and entering a rapid descent, Flightradar24 reported.

“We’re descending 8,000 – Mayday! Mayday! – we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,” the pilot radioed, according to recordings cited by AP.

Seconds later, the cockpit reported an overspeed condition and a descent of 20,000 feet per minute. The pilot then warned: “We’re going to crash into the ground,” before reporting a descent rate of 22,000 feet per minute, Reuters said.

The final words heard from the cockpit were: “We’re out of time.” Flight-tracking data indicated the descent rate briefly exceeded 32,000 feet per minute; the last altitude received was 8,750 feet.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms were occurring nearby, according to weather forecaster AccuWeather. The national weather service had issued a flood watch for the region, but investigators have not established whether weather played a role.

Videos recorded by motorists showed the aircraft falling steeply and exploding near the roadway. Firefighters and police responded as authorities closed the military trail, where debris and damaged pavement surrounded the impact site.

Palm Beach County commissioner, Joel Flores, said approximately 600 residents of a neighbouring mobile-home community were being evacuated to two shelters. DeSantis described the crash as “cataclysmic” and said it had left a large crater beside the road.

Nearby John I Leonard high school was ordered closed on Monday while emergency crews worked at the site, according to the local school district.

The national transportation safety board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, supported by the FAA. Investigators were expected at the site on Sunday and Monday, with a briefing planned in West Palm Beach.

The NTSB has not determined the cause. Investigators may examine wreckage, aircraft records, weather data and cockpit communications, while manufacturer Bombardier has pledged to cooperate.