Learjet Crash Kills Nine and Forces Greenacres Residents to Leave

The business jet plunged into a road near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North, leaving a crater, scattered debris and a large fire. Dashcam footage showed the aircraft hit the ground and burst into flames. Officials said nobody on the ground was killed or injured.

Residents nearby described a powerful impact that shook their apartment and briefly cut its electricity. Smoke and emergency sirens followed. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis compared the jet’s descent to a missile and said it appeared something had gone seriously wrong in the air.

The aircraft was traveling from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. In communications with air traffic control, the pilot reported ice accumulating on the plane before issuing a Mayday call. Audio also captured reports of a rapid descent and an overspeed emergency. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Close to 600 people living in a nearby mobile-home park must leave because its entrance is close to the wreckage, which is being treated as a crime scene during the investigation. Officials are preparing two shelters, and the American Red Cross is on standby. The crash also damaged infrastructure and may affect water and other services.

A county commissioner said the damaged stretch of road may remain closed for at least 30 days. Nearby businesses could also face extended closures while repairs and the federal investigation continue.