NTSB Finds Learjet Tail Piece 3.8 Miles From Florida Crash Site, Pointing to Midair Breakup
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 3
NTSB Finds Learjet Tail Piece 3.8 Miles From Florida Crash Site, Pointing to Midair Breakup
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 3
Summary
Most of the Learjet 60’s left elevator was recovered 1.3 to 3.8 miles from the Palm Beach County impact site, a finding the NTSB said adds to evidence the jet began breaking apart before it crashed Sunday.
Less than 30 seconds after air traffic control approved a climb from 35,000 to 37,000 feet, the crew reported a descent and issued a mayday; investigators are also examining reports of light clear ice and moderate turbulence.
Crews are preparing to drain the crater to recover more wreckage, though investigators expect only small buried fragments because of the force of the impact; dashcam footage has also been obtained.
Nine people aboard the Austin-to-Bahamas flight were killed, and about 600 nearby residents were evacuated; Military Trail remained closed Tuesday with no timeline for reopening or residents' return.
Tom Chapman said there is no evidence the crash, which occurred within 10 miles of Mar-a-Lago, had any connection to Secret Service operations, and the cause remains undetermined.