Delaware LLC owned Florida crash jet, DOT confirms

The United States Department of Transportation identified a Wilmington, Delaware limited liability company as the registered owner of the private aircraft that crashed in Florida. The Learjet 60 struck a mobile home park in Palm Beach County on Sunday at 12:50 p.m. local time. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on X that everyone on board was killed.

Federal Aviation Administration records show the jet departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was bound for the Bahamas. While cruising east at 35,000 feet, pilots reported turbulence, icing, and precipitation. They requested to climb an additional 2,000 feet. Shortly after the request, the aircraft began a steep dive.

Air traffic control data indicates the plane descended at 10,000 feet per minute, accelerating to 20,000 and then 30,000 feet per minute. The speed exceeded the aircraft's design limits. The pilot radioed, "We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute," followed by the words, "We're going to crash into the ground." The plane banked sharply to the right before impact. Dashcam footage captured the descent and the resulting fireball.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported no immediate injuries or deaths among people on the ground. Palm Beach County officials closed the road near the site until further notice. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, with the FAA providing assistance.

A media briefing is scheduled for Monday in West Palm Beach. Authorities have not yet released the names of the individuals aboard or determined the specific cause of the crash.