Nine die in ‘cataclysmic’ Florida business jet crash | Aviation News
Nine Killed in South Florida Business Jet Crash
Report by Al Jazeera Staff
Published on November 2, 2026
Nine individuals died when a business jet crashed into a residential neighborhood in South Florida, authorities confirmed. All occupants of the Learjet 60 were killed in the incident, which U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described as a “horrific tragedy.”
Federal Aviation Administration officials are en route to the crash site to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation, Duffy announced on social media platform X.
Audio recordings captured in the cockpit moments before the crash revealed the pilot discussing “manageable” ice issues, followed by a warning that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude. In a moment of panic, the crew declared, “We’re going to crash into the ground.”
The private jet was traveling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport confirmed the plane’s status as a private flight but did not disclose the identities of those on board.
Videos circulating online appear to show the jet impacting the ground at high speed and at a steep angle, resulting in a significant explosion. Following the crash, footage depicted flames engulfing debris, with bystanders in the vicinity.
Despite the crash’s proximity to residential properties and vehicles, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis assured reporters that there were no reported casualties on the ground. Describing the accident as “cataclysmic,” DeSantis remarked that the plane “looked like a missile going down” and left a large crater at the site.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
