Parts of jet may have broken off before Florida crash that killed 9, investigators say
A Learjet crashed in South Florida, killing all nine people on board, including a family and a young copilot. Federal investigators have found evidence that the aircraft began breaking apart before hitting the ground.
Why it matters
The NTSB investigation into the structural failure of the aircraft is critical for aviation safety and understanding the cause of the tragedy.
A young copilot, a technology entrepreneur and his family are among nine who died when a Learjet crashed and exploded in South Florida, according to family members.
Federal investigators say the aircraft evidently started breaking apart before it hit the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board says weather will be a major focus of its investigation.
Link copied Share Share article A business jet that crashed in South Florida with nine people on board, including a family with two young children, most likely started breaking apart before it hit the ground and erupted in a fireball, according to a federal investigator.
The aircraft, with two crew and seven passengers, came down in a residential area in Palm Beach County on Sunday, local time.
The nine victims included 20-year-old copilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, as well as technology entrepreneur Adam Robinson, his wife, Helen Sharp, and their two young children, relatives said.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in