PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators have indications that a Learjet began breaking apart before it crashed in Palm Beach County, killing all nine people aboard, a National Transportation Safety Board official said Monday.
The update comes a day after the Learjet 60 crashed near Cresthaven around 12:50 p.m. Sunday. The flight had departed Austin, Texas, and was headed to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas.
“We do have some indication that the aircraft was breaking up before impact,” NTSB board member Tom Chapman said during a briefing in West Palm Beach.
Chapman said investigators could find aircraft parts some distance from the main impact site. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Family identifies co-pilot
Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20, was among those killed, her mother confirmed to The New York Times and New York Post, according to The Associated Press.
Her mother, Camila Corteleti, said Filgueiras was the flight’s co-pilot. She earned her private pilot’s license at 17 while attending West Boca Raton Community High School.
Crew reported ice and turbulence
Chapman said the crew reported light clear ice and moderate turbulence while flying at 35,000 feet. They then reported precipitation and received permission to climb to 37,000 feet.
Less than 30 seconds later, the aircraft transmitted that it was descending, followed by a mayday call. Another transmission reported an overspeed condition.
Investigators are examining weather conditions but have not determined what role they played in the crash.
Search for wreckage and cockpit recorder
Investigators are working to determine whether a cockpit voice recorder remained aboard the aircraft. Maintenance records indicate one had been installed, but officials do not yet know whether it can be recovered.
Water in the crater left by the crash is complicating access to the wreckage.
Investigators also reported that a man in a vehicle near the crash sustained a leg injury. They plan to interview him.
Investigation remains preliminary
The NTSB identified the aircraft’s operator as Aurora Aviation, doing business as Upper Jet. The agency said its findings remain preliminary and subject to change.
Anyone with relevant photos, video or information can email witness@ntsb.gov. Investigators asked anyone who finds debris to leave it in place and notify the NTSB or local authorities.
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