Florida jet crash claims nine lives

The incident, described by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as a “horrific tragedy,” occurred on Sunday. Duffy shared his statement on X.

The Federal Aviation Administration is deploying staff to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in investigating the crash.

Audio recordings from the cockpit, obtained by LiveATC.net, reveal the pilot initially reported “manageable” ice conditions. The recording then captured the crew stating the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude, culminating in a distressed declaration: “We’re going to crash into the ground.”

The aircraft, a Learjet 60, was en route from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport confirmed the flight was private but did not disclose the passenger manifest.

Videos circulating online depict the jet impacting the ground at high speed and a steep angle, followed by a significant explosion.

Footage of the aftermath shows flames and debris scattered across the area, with bystanders observing the scene.

The aircraft fell just a few meters from homes and vehicles. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking at the site, confirmed there were no ground casualties and characterized the crash as “cataclysmic,” adding that the plane “looked like a missile going down, and left a big crater on the side of the road.”