Nine killed when business jet crashes near Austin, Texas origin point
A Learjet 60 departing from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County, Florida, killing everyone on board.
By Adrian Parker ·
Nine people died Sunday when a Learjet 60 crashed into a residential neighborhood in Palm Beach County, Florida. The aircraft was traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
Federal Aviation Administration officials stated the jet crashed near Cresthaven at approximately 12:50 p.m. ET. The impact occurred near Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North. The jet appeared to narrowly miss homes before striking a roadway. Drivers in the area were urged to seek alternate routes during the incident.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people on board were killed. He posted a statement on social media asking the public to pray for the families and loved ones of the victims. The FAA announced it is sending a team to the scene to support the National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
The aircraft was a LearJet 60, a medium-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. According to GlobalAir.com, the plane measures 58 feet in length. It has a maximum capacity of two crew members and eight passengers. The jet has a maximum range of just over 2,400 nautical miles.
The crash caused a massive fireball, according to local reports. It remained unclear on Sunday whether the crash caused damage to nearby homes. The NTSB is leading the investigation, with support from the FAA.
The departure from Austin, Texas, placed the aircraft on a flight path toward the Bahamas. The crash site is located in the Cresthaven area of Palm Beach County. Local authorities coordinated with federal agencies in the immediate aftermath.
Residents in the vicinity of Military Trail and Cresthaven Boulevard reported seeing the smoke and hearing the impact. The FAA and the Department of Transportation are monitoring the situation closely. Officials plan to share updates as they learn more details about the crash.
The Learjet 60 is a common model for private business travel. The specific aircraft involved in the crash had departed Austin earlier in the day. The nine fatalities represent the entire complement on board, including crew and passengers.
