NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has publicly denounced online conspiracy theories that have emerged following a fatal Learjet 60 crash in Florida.
Nine people died when the private jet plummeted to the ground near West Palm Beach on Sunday. In posts on X, Isaacman, an experienced pilot himself, stated he felt compelled to address speculation that falsely blamed the crash on a missile strike or diversity initiatives.
He specifically defended the actions of 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, whose final radio calls have been scrutinized online. "She was the second-in-command (SIC) and while she was empowered to point out mistakes as part of good crew resource management, she was doing her job, communicating with [air traffic control] right to the end in a terrifying situation," Isaacman wrote. He emphasized that Filgueiras met the required Federal Aviation Administration qualifications and that charter companies often pair less experienced pilots with senior captains.
Isaacman acknowledged the public interest generated by viral dashcam footage and cockpit audio but stressed that external observers lack crucial information. "But you do not know the aircraft's maintenance history, whether there was a structural failure, if any failure was induced by turbulence, overspeed or overcontrol, or everything happening in that cockpit," he said.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are reportedly considering severe weather as a significant factor in the disaster. Officials indicated that a portion of the jet appeared to have broken off before the crash. The pilots had requested an increase in altitude when encountering a thunderstorm, moments before the aircraft spiraled downward.
Some aviation experts suggest the plane may have encountered "coffin corner," a dangerous aerodynamic condition at high altitudes where the minimum and maximum safe airspeeds converge, making the aircraft extremely difficult to control. This can occur when attempting to climb above storm systems.
The victims of the crash included tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson, 45, his wife Helen Sharp, 40, their two young children, their nanny, and two friends.
The Learjet 60 had departed from Austin, Texas, and was en route to the Bahamas when the incident occurred. Audio recordings captured Filgueiras warning air traffic control of the impending crash as the aircraft descended at over 20,000 feet per minute. Her pilot, Jeff Gregory, 55, was heard reciting the Lord's Prayer in the background. Filgueiras had also reportedly texted her boyfriend about experiencing turbulence and ice.
The crash left a large crater in the road and scattered debris, but no one on the ground was reported injured.
Isaacman concluded by urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed and to show respect for the deceased and their families. "Let people investigate, learn and share the facts. Be respectful of those who perished and the families who carry their memories," he stated.