By — David Fischer, Associated Press David Fischer, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/evidence-suggests-parts-of-jet-broke-off-before-florida-crash-ntsb-investigator-says Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Evidence suggests parts of jet broke off before Florida crash, NTSB investigator says Nov 2, 2026 2:31 PM EST WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Parts of a business jet appear to have broken off before the aircraft crashed in South Florida and erupted into a ball of flames, killing all nine people on board, a federal investigator said Monday. Video recorded by passersby captured the terrifying moment on Sunday afternoon when the Bahamas-bound aircraft plunged from the sky before slamming into the ground and exploding in Greenacres, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of West Palm Beach. Flames flickered around chunks of pavement lining the crater as shocked residents looked on in horror. Thick black smoke engulfed the crash site. "Debris was everywhere. Debris hit my house. Everything was on fire. The road was on fire," Anthony Blackmon, who lives near the crash site, told NBC affiliate WTVJ. "I've always…
Evidence suggests parts of jet broke off before Florida crash, NTSB investigator says
In short
Before the crash, the business jet was cruising at 35,000 feet when the crew encountered moderate turbulence and icing, requesting a higher altitude after being jolted by 700 feet. The pilot quickly declared an emergency before the plane disintegrated and exploded near residential properties. Debris struck the surrounding neighborhood, inflicting structural damage on at least one home. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are now working to retrieve parts of the aircraft that fell distant from the primary wreckage zone.
Key points
- National Transportation Safety Board investigators confirmed the business jet showed clea…: National Transportation Safety Board investigators confirmed the business jet showed clear signs of breaking apart while still airborne.
- Audio recordings indicate the pilot reported ice accumulation and severe jolting before d…: Audio recordings indicate the pilot reported ice accumulation and severe jolting before declaring an emergency to air traffic controllers.
- One of the pilots held a certification to fly that specific Learjet model but was not qua…: One of the pilots held a certification to fly that specific Learjet model but was not qualified to serve as pilot-in-command.