Newly released air traffic control audio and flight tracking data paint a harrowing picture of the final moments of a Learjet that crashed in Greenacres, Florida, killing all nine on board, including an Austin family of four. The flight, originating from Austin, Texas, was cruising at approximately 41,000 feet when the crew was alerted to moderate precipitation ahead. After considering a route change towards the Bahamas, the flight crew was instructed to descend to 35,000 feet. Shortly after, they reported deteriorating weather conditions, including icing and turbulence, and requested to climb to 37,000 feet. However, the Learjet only reached 35,450 feet before initiating an abrupt and violent descent, plummeting at rates reaching up to 20,000 feet per minute. Amidst a mayday call and a terrifying exchange with air traffic control, the crew exclaimed, “Holy f–k, we’re out of time!” before the aircraft experienced an in-flight breakup and crashed. Investigators are still working to explain the rapid loss of control, with former NTSB investigator Alan Diehl suggesting that once controlled flight was lost, the pilots had virtually no chance of recovery, leaving them as passengers in their final seconds.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
