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Learjet crash timeline from Austin takeoff to 'mayday' call before Florida crash
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- A Bombardier Learjet 60 carrying nine people, including a Texas family of four and their nanny, crashed in Greenacres, Florida, killing everyone on board after departing Austin, Texas.
- The flight reached cruise altitude at 41,000 feet and encountered worsening weather conditions, including turbulence, icing, and precipitation, prompting the crew to request altitude changes and route deviations.
- At 12:48 p.m., the Learjet began a rapid and uncontrollable descent from about 35,450 feet, with the crew issuing a mayday call and stating they were going to crash before impact.
- Investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the in-flight breakup, but experts suggest the pilots had very limited time and options to recover control once the aircraft entered the descent.
- Air Traffic Control had warned the crew about moderate to extreme precipitation along their route, and the flight crew altered their plan multiple times in response to deteriorating weather conditions.
