NTSB probes possible in-flight break-up before Florida Learjet crash
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nile Post
US investigators are examining whether parts of the Learjet 60 detached before its crash in Greenacres, Florida, which killed all nine people on board. The NTSB is also analysing the possible role of icing and turbulence, reported by the crew shortly before the crash, according to the BBC.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the US agency responsible for investigating transport accidents, will examine whether parts of the Learjet 60 broke off before the aircraft plunged and crashed in Florida, killing all nine people on board. The plane was flying on Sunday from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas, according to the NTSB as quoted by the BBC.
The crew reported icing and moderate turbulence after take-off before requesting to climb to 37,000 feet. Less than 30 seconds later, the plane began to descend and the crew issued a distress call that subsequently became inaudible. The NTSB is also examining the possible role of ice and turbulence, as well as the presence and possible recovery of the cockpit voice recorder.
The aircraft crashed on a street about 14 kilometres from Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago. The NTSB is conducting its investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration, Learjet, meteorologists and air traffic control specialists. Determining the probable cause could take time, according to the US agency.
The NTSB investigation follows the pilot’s report of turbulence, reported on 2 November. The report of nine deaths in the Learjet crash was also published on the same day.
