By — Josh Funk, Associated Press Josh Funk, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/dad-of-20-year-old-co-pilot-in-florida-jet-crash-says-her-final-radio-calls-showed-shes-tough Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Dad of 20-year-old co-pilot in Florida jet crash says her final radio calls showed 'she's tough' Nation Nov 6, 2026 4:52 PM EST The father of the 20-year-old co-pilot who died along with eight others when their Learjet crashed in Florida said Friday he has listened to his daughter's heartbreaking final radio transmissions "many times" since the crash. Allan Filgueiras, a pilot who helped teach his daughter to fly, was searching for answers as to why the plane plunged from the sky on Sunday. Instead, he found immense pride in how his daughter, Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, handled the crisis. "I did listen to that many times trying to find a clue. In my head. How'd that happen? And wow, she's tough," Allan Filgueiras said at a news conference Friday. "I wanted to be by her side," he said, at times holding back tears. "Inside the plane. To help." READ MORE: Parts…
Dad of 20-year-old co-pilot in Florida jet crash says her final radio calls showed 'she's tough'
In short
The news conference addressed public scrutiny surrounding the young co-pilot, confirming she had accumulated extensive flight time and proper commercial certifications before the disaster. Recorded communications revealed she steadily reported dangerous ice accumulation just before the Learjet entered extreme turbulence and plummeted. Federal investigators are now examining scattered debris, including separated tail components found miles away, to determine why the aircraft failed.
Key points
- Family and legal representatives defended the co-pilot's credentials against unfounded on…: Family and legal representatives defended the co-pilot's credentials against unfounded online criticism following the fatal accident.
- Captain Jeff Gregory is believed to have been at the controls when the flight encountered…: Captain Jeff Gregory is believed to have been at the controls when the flight encountered fatal distress.
- The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet determined an official cause for the…: The National Transportation Safety Board has not yet determined an official cause for the catastrophic mid-air breakup.