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GREENACRES, Palm Beach County, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 — All nine people aboard a business jet died on Saturday afternoon, October 31, when the aircraft nose-dived into a neighborhood near a busy roadway in Greenacres and exploded, according to Palm Beach County sheriff's officials. The plane was bound for the Bahamas out of Texas when it went down about 12:50 p.m., U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
The Learjet 60 had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and was flying at 35,000 feet when the pilot reported turbulence, icing and precipitation and asked to climb another 2,000 feet, according to air traffic control recordings and flight-tracking data cited in the source report. Moments later the plane entered a steep dive, first descending 10,000 feet per minute, then 20,000, then as much as 30,000 feet per minute, speeds beyond its design limits. The pilot declared an emergency, radioed "we're going to crash into the ground," and the aircraft banked sharply before hitting the ground, leaving a crater near homes along the roadway.
Video captured by people driving nearby showed the jet plunging from the sky before the fireball and thick black smoke that followed. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who visited the scene, said there were no immediate reports of anyone on the ground hurt or killed. He described the wreckage as leaving a large crater beside the road.
Palm Beach County officials evacuated about 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community as federal investigators arrived, and the roadway remained closed until further notice. The National Transportation Safety Board, assisted by a Federal Aviation Administration team, is investigating; agents were expected at the site on Saturday and Sunday, with a briefing planned on Monday in West Palm Beach. An aviation safety expert told the AP that icing and turbulence may have contributed to a possible stall, but investigators have not determined a cause.
The Austin airport confirmed the aircraft was a private jet but could not immediately provide passenger details. We are deeply sorry for the losses suffered by the victims' families.
More on Crashes in Greenacres, FL
This crash happened in Greenacres, FL. We cover crashes across Palm Beach County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Palm Beach County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after witnessing or being involved in a plane or vehicle accident?
Call 911, move to a safe distance if there is fire or wreckage, and avoid the scene until emergency crews secure it. Let trained responders handle hazardous materials or unstable debris.
Where do most aviation accidents happen in relation to populated areas?
Many occur during takeoff, landing or emergency descents near airports or flight paths, which can put them close to roads and neighborhoods, as happened in this case.
What factors commonly contribute to small aircraft or jet crashes?
Investigators commonly look at weather conditions such as icing and turbulence, mechanical issues, and pilot response to in-flight emergencies, though a cause is typically confirmed only after a full investigation.
What injuries or outcomes are typical when a jet crash occurs in a populated area?
Outcomes vary widely. Occupants of the aircraft face the highest risk, while nearby bystanders may escape harm if the wreckage lands away from structures, as authorities said happened here.
