# Pilots’ push to level jet may have torn off key piece found miles from Florida crash, former NTSB expert says

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/pilots-push-to-level-jet-may-have-torn-off-key-piece-found-miles-from-florida-crash-former-ntsb-expert-says/
- Published: 2026-11-04T15:04:28+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T08:56:29+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/us/pilots-push-level-jet-may-have-torn-off-key-piece-found-miles-florida-crash-former-ntsb-expert-says
- Topics: Culture, Travel, World

## Key points

- A key tail control was found in pieces up to 3.8 miles away.
- Investigators are examining a possible in-flight breakup.
- Icing and turbulence are major focuses of the probe.

## Summary

A Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine people aboard, after reporting icing and moderate turbulence at about 35,000 feet. Investigators found the left tail elevator, which controls pitch, in three pieces up to 3.8 miles from the crash site; a former NTSB investigator said this may indicate the aircraft broke apart in flight.

Investigators are examining whether the elevator came off and contributed to the crash, or whether forces on the aircraft tore it loose. Former investigator Greg Feith suggested a pilot’s attempt to level the jet may have overstressed its structure, but this is not a confirmed cause. The NTSB is also focused on weather conditions, and has yet to find or confirm the presence of the cockpit voice recorder.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.