Nine people identified after private jet crashes in Florida

A private jet crashed into a roadway in Greenacres, Florida, on Sunday afternoon, killing all nine people on board. The aircraft, a Learjet 60, was traveling from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when it descended rapidly into a residential area in Palm Beach County.

The crash occurred at approximately 12:50 p.m. ET. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that there were no survivors. The impact created a large hole in the road and forced the closure of Military Trail between Cresthaven Boulevard and Avenue 10 North.

The family of Adam Robinson and Helen Sharp identified the seven passengers on the plane this Monday. The group included their two children, Emma, age 4, and Charlie, age 2. Also aboard were Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina, who served as the children's nanny. The family stated that Cetina was considered part of the household and cared for the children with devotion.

Adam Robinson was the founder and chief executive officer of several technology companies, according to his professional profile. The family described Robinson and Sharp as dedicated parents who viewed their children as the light of their lives. They remembered Reed and Fehr as individuals full of joy and adventure who loved those around them.

The flight was piloted by Captain Jeff Gregory. Nathalia Filgueiras, a 20-year-old co-pilot, was also aboard. East Coast Jets, a company where Gregory worked from 2016 to 2017, confirmed his death. The company said it was deeply saddened by the news and extended its prayers to his family, the co-pilot, and the passengers.

In a written statement, the families expressed gratitude to first responders and the Palm Beach County community. They also offered their condolences to the families of the pilots, noting that the two groups are grieving together. The statement acknowledged the support from those who reached out with their affection during this time.

Witnesses near the crash site described the sound of the impact as similar to a missile or a meteor. Abelino Temaj, a resident of a nearby mobile home park, said he felt the ground shake after hearing the noise. Anthony Blackmon, who lived 500 feet from the crash, reported that debris hit his house and that the roadway was on fire.

Roger Forcelle, another nearby resident, said the aircraft passed over his home shortly before the crash. He felt the vibration throughout his house and saw a cloud of smoke rising from the area. He was unable to return home after stepping out to run errands.

The crash displaced hundreds of people from a nearby mobile home community. Joel Flores, the District 3 commissioner, said authorities were working to ensure that approximately 600 affected residents had a safe place to stay for the night. Videos from the scene showed a large, burning crater where the plane hit.

NTSB member Tom Chapman stated on Monday that evidence indicates the aircraft was disintegrating before it struck the ground. He noted that parts of the plane were found at a distance from the main impact site. The jet was flying east at 35,000 feet when the pilot reported clear ice and moderate turbulence.

The pilot requested permission to climb 2,000 feet and declared an emergency as the plane lost altitude. Radio communications captured by LiveATC.net show the pilot reporting a descent rate of 10,000 feet per minute. The pilot later reported an overspeed condition and a descent rate of 20,000 feet per minute. The pilot said the plane was going to hit the ground before the aircraft tilted sharply to the right and exploded.