WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — The NTSB investigation into the Learjet 60 crash near Greenacres, Florida, is focused on the final flight data, weather conditions, recovered aircraft components and cockpit recordings. The crash occurred on November 1, 2026, during a flight from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. All nine people aboard died.
The aircraft was a Bombardier Learjet 60 operated by Aurora Aviation, doing business as Upper Jet. It departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was flying to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
The investigation also distinguishes two communication sources. Air traffic control radio exchanges have been described in NTSB briefings. The cockpit voice recorder, which captures the crew’s internal conversation, was recovered on November 9 and sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington, D.C.
Illustrative data panel based on FAA and NTSB reports.
The aircraft was flying at approximately 35,250 feet, according to FAA data. The crew reported light clear icing, moderate turbulence and precipitation before requesting a climb to 37,000 feet. FAA data indicates that the aircraft later descended at approximately 20,000 feet per minute, or about 350 feet per second.
The investigation is studying the possibility that factors including aerodynamic degradation caused by icing, turbulence, loss of control, structural failure, overspeed or spatial disorientation contributed to the sequence of events.
Illustrative diagram. It does not reproduce the exact geography of the debris field.
The NTSB reported that investigators recovered components from both wings, both engines, the flight deck, the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, the left elevator, aileron sections and flap-track assemblies. Parts were found across the area, including an elevator located several miles from the main impact site. The recovered components are being examined at NTSB laboratories.
Illustrative schematic of the recorder’s transfer to the NTSB laboratory.
The NTSB confirmed on November 9 that investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder at the initial impact site. The CVR was sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for evaluation. The investigation remains active under case number ERA27MA026.
Sources: NTSB Investigation ERA27MA026; FAA report via ABC News; WPTV NTSB briefing.
