Nine people were killed in the crash of a private Learjet 60 that went down Sunday, Nov. 1, in Palm Springs in Palm Beach County, Florida. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft abruptly lost altitude and hit the ground around 12:50 p.m. local time. Released recordings of the pilots’ conversations with air traffic controllers indicate the crew reported problems with icing, turbulence and an uncontrolled descent. A transcript of the final exchange between the control tower and the Learjet’s cockpit has appeared in the media.
The plane took off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. Video recorded near the crash site shows the aircraft falling almost vertically toward buildings.
CRAZY FOOTAGE: New video shows the moment a plane went down in Greenacres, Florida. pic.twitter.com/kJehk0rhhE
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 1, 2026
After hitting the ground, the plane burst into flames, and thick clouds of black smoke rose over the scene. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies, firefighters and paramedics were sent to the site. The force of the impact left a large crater by the road and scattered debris from the aircraft across the area.
“We’re About to Hit the Ground”: Chilling Transcript of Learjet 60 Pilot’s Exchange With Air Traffic Controller
A portion of the final exchange between the air traffic controller and the aircraft’s crew has appeared online:
Air traffic control (ATC): “What is the outside air temperature?”
Pilot: “Minus 47 degrees Celsius. We’re handling the icing, but there is moderate turbulence.”
ATC: “Let me know if you need anything else. I’m bringing you into my airspace now.”
Pilot: “Precipitation is starting. We need to climb.”
ATC: “Roger. Climb and maintain.”
Pilot: “We’re descending from 8,000 feet. Mayday, mayday! We’re dropping at 10,000 feet per minute. Declaring an emergency, flight 722 Bravo Delta. We’re over open sea, dropping at 20,000 feet per minute.”
ATC: “Tell me what you need.”
Pilot: “We’re about to hit the ground.”
ATC: “November 2 Bravo Delta. I’m with you. Talk to me.”
Pilot: “We’re descending from 22,000 feet, bank is 60 degrees.”
Pilot: (Unintelligible shout) “Look outside!”
(the aircraft probably hit the ground at this moment)
ATC: “November 2 Bravo Delta. How do you read me?”
Ed. JŁ
