NTSB says jet disintegrated before Greenacres crash that killed nine

Investigators believe the business jet began to fall apart in the air before it struck the ground in South Florida.

The aircraft crashed in Greenacres on Sunday, killing all nine people on board. NTSB member Tom Chapman stated during a Monday news conference that evidence indicates the plane was breaking up prior to impact. He expects wreckage to be found far from the main crash site.

The jet departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas on Sunday. It was bound for the Bahamas when it encountered severe weather. The pilot reported light, clear ice and moderate turbulence to air traffic controllers. The jet was flying east at 35,000 feet when the issues began.

The situation deteriorated rapidly. The pilot requested permission to climb 2,000 feet. He then declared an emergency. The aircraft lost altitude at a rate of 10,000 feet per minute. The pilot later reported an overspeed condition with a descent rate of 20,000 feet per minute.

In the final moments, the pilot radioed, “We’re going to crash into the ground.” Video from passersby shows the plane banking sharply right before hitting the ground. The impact created a crater and ignited a large fire. Thick black smoke rose from the site.

Anthony Blackmon, a resident near the crash, told NBC affiliate WTVJ that debris hit his house. He noted that the road and surrounding area were on fire. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the event as a cataclysmic plane crash. He said the aircraft looked like a missile going down.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel G. Flores addressed the evacuation of nearby residents. About 77 mobile homes in the area have been cleared. Residents are staying in a shelter. Flores said the county does not have a timeline for when people can return home. He stated that officials need to clear the scene and examine the evidence.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the death investigation is in early stages. Camila Corteleti identified her daughter, Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, as one of the pilots. Nathalia was 20 years old. She earned her pilot license in 2023 while attending West Boca Raton Community High School.

Nathalia’s license included a rating for the Learjet model but not command authority for the flight. Her father, Allan Filgueiras, told the Associated Press he was not prepared to speak about the crash. Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter asked the public to keep the victims in their thoughts and prayers.

The crash site is located about 7 miles southwest of West Palm Beach. Investigators are currently working to secure the area. Residents remain displaced while the team processes the debris.