NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayNovember 2, 2026Hillsborough County
Fatal plane crash in Greenacres kills nine and prompts federal investigation
Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay
An airplane crash in Greenacres, Florida, killed all nine people on board and led federal investigators to probe an apparent in-flight breakup following reports of icing and turbulence. The incident forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents from nearby mobile homes, injured a man on the ground, and prompted the declaration of a county emergency.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
Federal investigators are examining whether severe icing and turbulence contributed to an in-flight breakup that scattered debris across a 1.2-mile area of Palm Beach County, resulting in nine fatalities, one ground injury, and the temporary evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Key Facts
- A plane crash in Greenacres, Florida, resulted in the deaths of all nine people on board.
- The victims identified so far include a family of four from Texas (Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, and their children Emma and Charlie), two friends (Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr), their nanny (Anita Maria Apellido Cetina), the captain (Jeff Gregory), and the co-pilot (Nathalia Gadelha).
- The flight departed Austin, Texas, bound for the Bahamas at 10:37 a.m. on Sunday.
- At 12:47 p.m., the crew reported icing and turbulence, requested a climb to 55,000 feet, issued a Mayday call less than 30 seconds later, and entered a rapid descent.
- Preliminary evidence examined by the NTSB indicates the aircraft broke up in mid-air before impact, scattering debris across a 1.2-mile area in Palm Beach County.
- The crash forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents from 77 nearby mobile homes near Military Trail.
- One man on the ground sustained injuries during the incident.
- Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter declared a county emergency following the disaster.
- The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are conducting an active investigation into the cause of the crash.
- Authorities are asking witnesses with photos or video of the event to contact witness@ntsb.gov and to avoid disturbing debris.
Who's Mentioned
locationGreenacres“Florida city where the plane crashed”PersonNathalia Gadelha“Co-pilot of the crashed plane”PersonJeff Gregory“Captain of the crashed plane”PersonHelen Sharp“Victim on the crashed flight and wife of Adam Robinson”PersonAdam Robinson“Tech entrepreneur and victim on the crashed flight”PersonEmma Robinson“Child victim on the crashed flight”OrganizationRice University“Alma mater of Adam Robinson”OrganizationNational Transportation Safety Board“Federal agency investigating the crash”PersonAnita Maria Apellido Cetina“Nanny and victim on the crashed flight”PersonTimothy Monville“National Transportation Safety Board investigator”PersonCharmi Fehr“Friend and victim on the crashed flight”OrganizationWest Boca Raton High School“High school attended by co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha”PersonSara Baxter“Mayor who declared a county emergency”locationAustin“City in Texas where the flight departed”locationBahamas“Intended destination of the flight”PersonCharlie Robinson“Child victim on the crashed flight”locationPalm Beach County“County where debris was scattered and emergency declared”PersonRachael Reed“Friend and victim on the crashed flight”OrganizationAmerican Flyers“Flight school attended by Nathalia Gadelha”OrganizationFederal Aviation Administration“Federal agency investigating the crash”