Florida Learjet 60 Crash: Nine People Killed in Palm Beach County as NTSB Investigates

Nine people died when a Learjet 60 crashed into a residential area of Palm Beach County, Florida, on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The aircraft went down near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that everyone aboard the aircraft was killed. The jet had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

What Happened to Learjet 60 N722BD?

The aircraft, registered as N722BD, was a 2004 Learjet 60. Flight-tracking information indicates that it departed Austin at approximately 9:37 a.m. Central Time before travelling east towards Florida and the Bahamas.

The aircraft entered a steep descent shortly before impact. Flightradar24 reported that the final available tracking data showed an altitude of approximately 8,750 feet and a descent rate exceeding 32,000 feet per minute. These are flight-tracking figures, not a final reconstruction by investigators.

Nine Fatalities Confirmed After Palm Beach County Crash

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft died. Their names had not been publicly released in the initial reports, and officials had not confirmed the identities of the passengers and crew members.

The crash created a large debris field and fires near a mobile home community. Approximately 600 residents were affected by evacuation and temporary shelter arrangements. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no reports of deaths among people on the ground.

Icing and Turbulence Reported Before the Crash

Air traffic control communications reviewed by aviation reporters indicated that the crew had discussed icing, precipitation and moderate turbulence before requesting a higher altitude.

The pilot subsequently reported a rapid descent and an overspeed condition before communication ended. Although these details are important to the investigation, they do not establish why the aircraft lost control. Investigators must determine whether weather, mechanical issues, operational factors or a combination of circumstances contributed to the accident.

NTSB Leads Investigation Into Fatal Florida Aircraft Accident

The NTSB is leading the investigation with support from the FAA. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, review flight-tracking information and air traffic control communications, and assess the aircraft’s maintenance and operational history.

No final accident cause has been announced.

What Is Known About the Learjet Crash?

• Date: November 1, 2026.

• Aircraft: Learjet 60.

• Registration: N722BD.

• Location: Palm Beach County, Florida, near Military Trail.

• Departure: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas.

• Destination: North Eleuthera Airport, Bahamas.

• People aboard: Nine.

• Fatalities aboard: Nine.

• Investigation: NTSB, assisted by the FAA.

• Cause: Undetermined.

Obituary and Cause of Death: All nine occupants died in the aircraft crash. Their identities and individual medical causes of death had not been publicly disclosed in the initial reports. The cause of the aircraft accident remains under investigation.