The pilot of a private jet that crashed in Florida, killing all nine people aboard, was heard reciting the Lord's Prayer in distress audio as the aircraft nosedived. Jeffrey Gregory, 55, of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, was piloting the Learjet 60 on Sunday afternoon when it crashed in a fiery ball near West Palm Beach.
The flight was en route to the Bahamas for tech tycoon Adam Robinson's birthday celebration. Onboard were Robinson, 45, his wife Helen Sharp, 40, their toddlers Emma, four, and Charlie, two, friends Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr, and the children's nanny, Anita Maria Cetina.
Federal investigators are examining the cause of the crash, which occurred just eight miles from President Trump's Mar-a-Lago country club. Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) believe severe weather played a significant role, noting that a portion of the jet appeared to have broken off before impact. Aviation experts suggest the aircraft may have encountered a phenomenon known as 'coffin corner' while attempting to climb above storm cells, a condition where the jet's minimum and maximum safe speeds converge at high altitudes, making it difficult to control.
Distressing cockpit audio captured the co-pilot, Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, warning air traffic control of the descent. She could be heard stating the aircraft was descending at 20,000 feet per minute and had banked 60 degrees. Her family reported she had texted her boyfriend about experiencing turbulence and ice shortly before the crash.
Gregory, described by friends as a diligent and dependable pilot who dreamed of flying from a young age, held an Airline Transportation Pilot certificate for multiple jet types, including the Learjet 60. He had previously worked as a flight instructor.
Families of the victims issued statements remembering them. Adam and Helen Robinson were described as devoted parents, while friends Charmi Fehr and Rachael Reed were remembered for their joy and adventure. The nanny, Anita Maria Cetina, was noted for her unconditional love and devotion to the children.