Air traffic control recordings and flight-tracking data outline the final minutes of a Learjet 60 flight that began in Austin, Texas, and ended in a fatal crash in Greenacres, Florida. The aircraft encountered precipitation, icing and turbulence while flying at about 41,000 feet. After beginning a climb, it rapidly descended, issued a mayday call and crashed within roughly a minute. All nine people aboard were killed.
The crash occurred on Nov. 1, 2026, as the aircraft was traveling from Texas toward the Bahamas. Investigators have not yet fully explained the aircraft’s loss of control and apparent in-flight breakup.
| 1) | Departure from Austin and passenger details |
| 2) | Cruise flight and changing weather conditions |
| 3) | Route changes and requests for a better ride |
| 4) | Climb, mayday call and rapid descent |
| 5) | Crash in Greenacres and unresolved investigation |
Departure from Austin and passenger details
The Bombardier Learjet 60 departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at approximately 10:37 a.m. Eastern time. Those aboard included Austin technology entrepreneur Adam Robinson, 45, his wife, Helen Sharp, 40, their children, Emma Robinson, 4, and Charlie Robinson, 2, and the children’s nanny, Anita Maria Cetina. Also aboard were Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr, along with pilots Jeffrey Scott Gregory, 55, and Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20.
The flight was headed from Texas toward the Bahamas. The aircraft initially climbed normally and reached its cruise altitude without a reported emergency.
Cruise flight and changing weather conditions
At about 11 a.m., the Learjet reached approximately 41,000 feet. Flight data showed no notable event for roughly the next hour and a half. At 12:31 p.m., an air traffic controller warned the crew about moderate precipitation five miles away and offered options to deviate left or right.
The controller directed the aircraft toward a waypoint near Naples, Florida. One minute later, the crew asked whether it could proceed more directly toward the Bahamas, a route that would cross Florida. Air traffic control approved the possibility but warned that moderate to extreme precipitation made the route appear unfavorable.
Route changes and requests for a better ride
At 12:35 p.m., the crew changed its plan and said it would turn toward Naples before continuing toward the Bahamas. At 12:36 p.m., air traffic control instructed the aircraft to descend to 35,000 feet. Four minutes later, the controller authorized deviations to either side of the weather and said the flight could continue toward the Bahamas when able.
Tracking data indicated that the Learjet instead moved farther north toward Palm Beach County. At 12:47 p.m., the crew reported worsening conditions, including icing and turbulence. The pilots also said they were entering precipitation and asked whether there was a better ride ahead. They then requested a climb to 37,000 feet.
Climb, mayday call and rapid descent
The aircraft began climbing at approximately 12:48 p.m. but reached about 35,450 feet rather than the approved 37,000 feet. It then entered a rapid descent. Flight data showed the descent initially reached about 10,000 feet per minute before doubling to approximately 20,000 feet per minute.
The crew issued a mayday call as the aircraft lost altitude. The controller said the crew had discretion over its altitude and asked what assistance it needed. The pilots then warned,
“We’re going to crash into the ground.”
The controller responded,
“I’m here with you. Talk to me.”
Crash in Greenacres and unresolved investigation
At approximately 12:49 p.m., the crew was heard saying,
“Holy f—, we’re out of time!”
The Learjet crashed in Greenacres, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North, in Palm Beach County. The impact produced a major fire, and all nine people aboard died.
The available records establish a sequence involving weather concerns, a requested climb, an abrupt loss of altitude and a crash, but they do not by themselves determine why the aircraft lost controlled flight. Former accident investigator Alan Diehl said the crew may have had only seconds to respond after the loss of control.
“For all intents and purposes, they were passengers,” Diehl said, describing a situation with few viable recovery options. Investigators continue to examine the aircraft’s flight path, weather exposure, warnings and the reported breakup.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Learjet departed Austin at about 10:37 a.m. Eastern time. |
| 2 | The crew encountered precipitation, icing and turbulence near Florida. |
| 3 | The aircraft climbed to about 35,450 feet before descending at up to 20,000 feet per minute. |
| 4 | A mayday call and urgent warning preceded the crash. |
| 5 | All nine people aboard died, while the cause of the loss of control remains under investigation. |
Summary
The Learjet’s final flight involved a series of weather-related decisions followed by a sudden and extreme descent over South Florida. Recordings and tracking data provide a minute-by-minute account of the emergency, but the underlying cause of the loss of control and reported breakup has not been determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Learjet crash?
The aircraft crashed at approximately 12:49 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 1, 2026.
Where did the crash occur?
The Learjet crashed in Greenacres, Florida, in Palm Beach County, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North.
What happened before the crash?
The crew reported precipitation, icing and turbulence, requested a climb, and then experienced a rapid descent that reached about 20,000 feet per minute before issuing a mayday call.
How many people were killed?
All nine people aboard the Learjet, including seven passengers and two pilots, were killed.
