NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)November 3, 2026San Francisco County
Nine killed in Learjet crash in Palm Beach County, Florida
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
A Learjet carrying nine people crashed into a Florida roadway after a rapid descent from 35,000 feet, resulting in fatalities and the temporary evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents. Federal investigators are examining weather conditions, including reports of icing and severe turbulence, as possible factors in the disaster.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
The crash claimed nine lives, injured one person on the ground, and triggered evacuations for residents in 77 mobile homes near the crash site in Palm Beach County.
Key Facts
- A twin-engine Learjet 60 crashed into a Florida roadway in Palm Beach County, resulting in the deaths of all nine people on board.
- The aircraft was carrying two crew members and seven passengers, including a family of four (Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, and two young children).
- Prior to the crash, the crew reported encountering moderate turbulence and light clear ice while flying at 35,000 feet.
- The flight crew requested to climb to 37,000 feet, which was approved by air traffic control.
- Less than 30 seconds after the climb request, the aircraft transmitted an overspeed condition message, began a rapid descent, and issued a Mayday call.
- The Federal Aviation Administration stated the plane was descending at a rate of 350 feet per second before impact.
- National Transportation Safety Board officials indicated there are signs the aircraft may have broken up before hitting the ground.
- The crash created a large crater near a shopping center in the Greenacres community, close to Military Trail.
- One person in a vehicle on the ground near the crash site sustained a leg injury.
- The incident prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents from 77 mobile homes in the surrounding area.
- The flight departed from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
- Investigators are examining weather conditions, including turbulence and icing, as major factors in the disaster.
Who's Mentioned
PersonNathalia Gadelha Filgueiras“Co-pilot identified by stepfather”PersonTom Chapman“NTSB board member leading briefings”OrganizationNational Transportation Safety Board“Investigating the cause of the plane crash”locationMilitary Trail“Road near the crash site in Greenacres, Florida”locationPalm Beach County“Location of the aircraft crash”PersonCharlie“Child victim identified by a relative”PersonAdam Robinson“Victim identified by a relative”OrganizationFederal Aviation Administration“Federal agency providing details on the aircraft's speed and flight path”PersonEmma“Child victim identified by a relative”PersonHelen Sharp“Victim identified by a relative”OrganizationPalm Beach Sheriff’s Office“Local law enforcement handling official victim identification”locationGreenacres“Community in Palm Beach County where the crash occurred”OrganizationAurora Aviation“Private company that owned the Learjet, doing business as Upper Jets”OrganizationMiami Air Route Traffic Center“Air traffic control center in contact with the flight”locationNorth Eleuthera“Intended destination in the Bahamas”PersonAnthony Robinson“Brother of victim Adam Robinson”locationCresthaven Boulevard“Road near the crash site”locationAustin-Bergstrom International Airport“Departure airport in Austin, Texas”PersonTimothy Monville“NTSB investigator in charge”