Aviation News – A Learjet 60 crashed in Greenacres, Florida, on November 1, striking the ground near South Military Trail before breaking apart and catching fire. Nine people were onboard. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, with aviation authorities expected to establish what caused the business jet to lose control.
According to preliminary ADS-B flight-tracking data, the aircraft, registered as N722BD, departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Texas, at approximately 15:37 UTC, bound for South Florida. The jet subsequently passed Naples at flight level 410 (41,000 feet) before descending to FL350 and turning towards the West Palm Beach area.
At approximately 17:48 UTC, the Learjet turned east and briefly climbed to FL354. It then entered a descending right-hand turn, during which its rate of descent reportedly increased dramatically, exceeding 30,000 feet per minute. The aircraft struck the ground in Greenacres at approximately 17:49 UTC, breaking apart on impact and erupting into flames.
Initial radar information indicated that the aircraft had plunged from just over 8,000 feet shortly before impact. However, the available flight-tracking information remains preliminary and does not establish the cause of the accident. The exact sequence of events leading to the crash has yet to be confirmed.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an aircraft incident was under investigation near South Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. Six miles from Mar-a-Lago.
Authorities closed both northbound and southbound lanes of the road and advised motorists to avoid the area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were contacted for further information.
