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Ice and storms cited as factors in fatal Florida Learjet crash
Federal investigators say ice and weather were “certainly a factor” in a Learjet 60 crash near Palm Beach, Florida, that killed all nine people on board. The jet plunged from 35,000 feet into a residential area in about a minute, raising questions about how quickly conditions overwhelmed the aircraft and crew.
The co-pilot reported “light, clear ice” that was manageable and moderate turbulence shortly before the jet entered a thunderstorm cell. It then began descending at more than 20,000 feet per minute, and the crew declared an emergency before their final transmission, “We’re out of time.” Experts cited in the article say ice can affect a plane’s lift, engines and instruments; the Learjet has several de-icing systems, but the pilots must activate them.
In short
- Ice and storm conditions were factors in the fatal Florida crash.
- The jet lost about 27,000 feet in roughly a minute.
- Investigators are examining the aircraft and crew’s response.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Ice was ‘certainly a factor’ in private jet crash that killed nine people in Florida, investigators say – after co-pilot told traffic control it was ‘manageable’”.