The final moments of a private jet that crashed into a residential area in Florida have been revealed in a distressing air traffic control recording.
All nine people aboard the Learjet 60 were killed when the aircraft plunged towards the ground in Palm Beach County on Sunday, November 1, before erupting into a fireball.
The plane had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was travelling to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when the emergency unfolded.
Audio reportedly captured the crew desperately communicating with air traffic controllers as the aircraft began losing altitude at an extraordinary rate.
The recording has since emerged as federal investigators work to establish what caused the tragedy.
What were the pilot's final words before the crash?
According to audio reported by the New York Post, the crew initially informed air traffic control that the aircraft was experiencing turbulence and icing conditions.
Although the situation initially appeared manageable, the flight suddenly entered a steep descent.
The pilot declared an emergency, warning controllers that the aircraft was losing altitude at approximately 10,000 feet per minute.
Moments later, the situation deteriorated further as the crew reported an overspeed condition and an even faster descent.
The pilot warned that the aircraft was going to hit the ground.
An air traffic controller attempted to maintain communication, telling the crew: "I'm here with you, talk to me."
But the crew reported that the aircraft was banking sharply and continuing to descend uncontrollably.
In the final moments of the recording, a crew member could be heard shouting: "Holy f**k, we're out of time."
The transmission ended shortly before the aircraft struck the ground.
What happened when the plane crashed?
The Learjet 60 crashed at approximately 12:50pm local time in a residential area near Cresthaven and Greenacres, south of West Palm Beach.
Videos recorded by witnesses showed the aircraft descending at a steep angle before hitting the ground and exploding.
The impact created a large fireball, sending thick black smoke into the air and scattering debris across the surrounding area.
Images from the scene showed a substantial crater and damage near a mobile home community.
Emergency crews responded to the crash site near Military Trail, with authorities closing nearby roads while firefighters and investigators secured the area.
Witnesses described hearing an enormous explosion as the aircraft struck the ground.
The crash occurred in a populated area, raising immediate concerns about possible casualties among nearby residents and motorists.
How many people died in the Florida plane crash?
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard the aircraft had died.
The Federal Aviation Administration had previously confirmed that nine people were onboard but had not initially released information about their conditions.
Officials had not publicly identified the victims at the time of the initial reports.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said there were no immediate reports of fatalities on the ground, although authorities continued assessing the damage.
The tragedy has prompted an extensive emergency response, with residents near the crash site affected by road closures and safety measures.
What caused the Learjet to crash?
The cause of the crash has not yet been established.
Before the aircraft entered its final descent, the crew reportedly discussed turbulence, precipitation and ice forming on the plane.
South Florida was experiencing unsettled weather on Sunday, with thunderstorms reported across parts of the region.
However, investigators have not determined whether weather conditions contributed to the accident.
Flight tracking information also showed that the aircraft lost altitude extremely rapidly during its final moments.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that it would assist the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the investigation.
Investigators will examine available flight data, communications, weather conditions and the aircraft's maintenance history to determine what happened.
Until that investigation is completed, any explanation for the sudden loss of control remains preliminary.
What happens next?
Federal investigators are expected to examine the wreckage and gather evidence from the crash site as they work to reconstruct the flight's final moments.
Authorities will also continue assessing damage to nearby properties and any injuries involving people on the ground.
The identities of those killed and further details about the circumstances of the flight are expected to emerge as officials release additional information.
For now, the air traffic control recording offers a devastating account of the crew's final struggle to regain control of the aircraft before the crash claimed nine lives.
