Nine people have died after a private jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood near Cresthaven, Florida, on Sunday, November 1, leaving a massive crater and scattered debris at the impact site. The Learjet 60 went down shortly before 1 p.m. while travelling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. All nine people aboard were killed.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the incident as a catastrophic crash and said approximately 600 residents were receiving assistance, including temporary shelter and essential support. Investigators are examining whether severe weather contributed to the accident. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the aircraft may have encountered a developing thunderstorm shortly before impact. Conditions in the area included possible severe turbulence, icing and hail.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a rapid response team to investigate. Preliminary evidence suggests the aircraft may have started breaking apart before striking the ground, although officials have not established the cause.
Recovery operations have also faced difficulties because of water collected inside the impact crater. Investigators have yet to confirm whether the aircraft carried a flight data recorder that could provide further information. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the NTSB will lead the investigation. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims, and the exact circumstances surrounding the Florida plane crash remain under investigation.
