NewsSNN NewsNovember 2, 2026Manatee County
Audio from private Learjet crash in Florida reveals pilot reported ice and rapid descent before fatal impact
Photo: SNN News
Air Traffic Control recordings reveal that a Learjet pilot reported managing ice and turbulence at 35,000 feet before the aircraft entered a catastrophic, rapid descent of up to 22,000 feet per minute. The crash in Green Acres, Florida, resulted in the deaths of all nine people on board, though no injuries were reported on the ground.
Read the full story at SNN NewsWhy It Matters
Federal investigators are holding a briefing to examine the investigative process and planned on-scene activities following an aviation disaster that claimed nine lives near homes and a busy roadway.
Key Facts
- A Learjet carrying nine people crashed in Green Acres, Florida, resulting in no survivors.
- Air Traffic Control recordings show the pilot reported manageable clear ice and moderate turbulence while flying at 35,000 feet.
- The pilot requested a higher altitude to find smoother skies before the plane began a rapid descent.
- The pilot radioed rates of descent scaling up from 8,000 to 22,000 feet per minute, citing an overspeed condition.
- The final communication received from the aircraft was the pilot stating, 'We're out of time.'
- The National Transportation Safety Board scheduled a briefing for Monday afternoon to cover the investigative process.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed that no one on the ground was injured or killed, despite the crash taking place near homes and a busy roadway.
- The private Learjet 60 aircraft had departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and was headed to the Bahamas.
- The aircraft was manufactured by Bombardier and owned by a corporation in Delaware.
- None of the nine occupants aboard the plane had been identified by authorities as of Monday morning.
Who's Mentioned
locationPalm Beach County“Location of the Learjet crash in Florida”OrganizationBombardier“Manufacturer of the Learjet 60 aircraft”locationFlorida“State where the crash occurred”locationBahamas“Intended destination of the flight”PersonRon DeSantis“Florida Governor who confirmed no ground injuries or deaths”OrganizationNational Transportation Safety Board“Announced a briefing on the crash investigation”OrganizationThe Associated Press“Reported on the Air Traffic Control recordings”locationGreen Acres“Specific site in Florida where the plane crashed”OrganizationReuters“Reported final communications and aircraft ownership details”locationAustin-Bergstrom International Airport“Departure airport for the Learjet flight”