A co-pilot aboard a private jet that crashed in Florida was heard reciting the Lord's Prayer in a frightened tone during the plane's final moments, according to air traffic control audio released after the incident. The Learjet 60, en route from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas, crashed near West Palm Beach with nine people on board.
In the audio, the co-pilot can be heard saying, "who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name," as the female pilot reported the aircraft had banked 60 degrees. Moments later, the plane crashed. The identities of those on board have not yet been released.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation by federal authorities, aviation experts have speculated that the aircraft may have encountered "coffin corner." This phenomenon occurs at high altitudes where a jet's minimum and maximum safe speeds converge into a narrow range, making the aircraft difficult to control. Flying too slow can cause a stall, while flying too fast can lead to structural failure.
Some experts suggest the pilot may have attempted to fly through or around storm systems in the area. Martin Varsavsky, a former pilot, noted on X that "the radars clearly showed those cells" and that in light jets, deviating from storms is advised. He explained that storms can alter air temperature, affecting lift and potentially leading to coffin corner conditions.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Weather conditions in the West Palm Beach area at the time included overcast skies, rain, lightning, and winds gusting up to 25 mph. Visibility was reported at 7 miles.
Air traffic controllers had reportedly given the pilots permission to deviate due to "moderate precipitation" and later described "moderate turbulence." The pilot then declared an emergency, reporting an "overspeed condition" and a rapid descent. The final transmission from the pilot indicated the plane was descending rapidly and banking severely, stating, "We're out of time."
The impact of the crash created a significant crater in the road, damaging nearby infrastructure. However, authorities confirmed that no one on the ground was injured or killed. Officials estimate the road may remain closed for another month.