The co-pilot of a Learjet that crashed in Florida, killing all nine people aboard, texted her boyfriend about experiencing turbulence and ice just moments before the aircraft went down, according to her family. Nathalia Filgueiras, 20, was reportedly communicating with her boyfriend, who is also a pilot, about the severe weather conditions.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred Sunday near Palm Beach International Airport. Early analysis of flight data and radar suggests the Learjet entered a rapidly intensifying thunderstorm. Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci told The Palm Beach Post that the storm clouds grew to 15,000 feet in 20 minutes, reaching 48,300 feet by the time of the crash.
Audio recordings from the cockpit captured Filgueiras reporting to air traffic control that the aircraft was descending rapidly, stating, "Descending 20,000ft per minute... we're going to crash into the ground." The pilot, whose identity has not been released, could be heard reciting the Lord's Prayer in the background.
Filgueiras, who obtained her pilot's license at 17 and had accumulated over 1,300 flight hours, was described by her family as a passionate aviator. Her mother shared images of Filgueiras traveling on private jets, noting her daughter loved the freedom and perspective of flying.
Experts have speculated that the Learjet 60, which was en route from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas, may have encountered a phenomenon known as 'coffin corner.' This occurs at high altitudes where the aircraft's minimum and maximum safe speeds converge, making it difficult to maintain control. Flying too slow can lead to a stall, while going too fast can also result in a loss of control.
One aviation expert suggested that bad weather, specifically thunderstorms that alter outside air temperature, could contribute to entering coffin corner, making it difficult for aircraft to maintain altitude or control. The aircraft crashed approximately eight miles from President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. No one on the ground was injured, though the crash created a large crater in the road.