Nine killed in private jet crash near West Palm Beach

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 01:08 · Archive

A Learjet 60 carrying nine people crashed in West Palm Beach, Florida, killing everyone on board.

A Learjet 60 crashed into a West Palm Beach community, killing all nine people on board, including two pilots, two young children and a family of four.

The victims were identified as Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp and their children Emma, four, and Charlie, two. Helen Sharp attended the University of Arizona before returning to Texas. The plane also carried the family's nanny, Anita Cetina, and friends Rachel Reed and Charmi Fehr. The Learjet was travelling from Texas to the Bahamas.

Radio traffic between the pilot and Miami air traffic control shows the pilot reported ice and turbulence. The pilot initially said: 'We're managing the ice, but it is moderate turbulence.' Moments later, transmissions indicated an emergency, with the aircraft descending at 10,000 feet per minute, then 20,000 feet per minute, and in an 'overspeed condition'—flying faster than designed.

Investigators are determining the cause. Jim Brauchle, an attorney with Motley Rice representing aviation disaster victims, said weather likely caused parts of the plane to ice over, which combined with the overspeed condition could have caused structural failure.

How it is being reported

• University of Arizona alum among 9 killed in jet crash in FloridaUniversity of Arizona alum Helen Sharp and her family were among nine people killed in a private jet crash in West Palm Beach.Azfamily · 3 Nov, 00:54
• University of Arizona alum among 9 killed in jet crash in FloridaUniversity of Arizona alum Helen Sharp and her family were among nine people killed in a private jet crash in West Palm Beach.KOLD · 3 Nov, 00:54

In this story: Helen Sharp · Adam Robinson · University of Arizona · West Palm Beach · Texas · Bahamas

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log