Tragic Learjet Crash Claims Life of Young Co-Pilot

Co-Pilot Identified in Fatal Learjet Crash

Nathalia Gadelha, a 20-year-old co-pilot from Boca Raton, has been identified as one of the victims of a Learjet 60 crash that occurred yesterday in South Florida, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals. Gadelha’s family confirmed her identity to the New York Post.

Details of the Incident

The tragic accident took place around 12:50 PM on South Military Trail, between Cresthaven Boulevard and 10th Avenue North in Greenacres. The jet crashed nose-first, creating a massive hole just feet away from nearby homes and businesses. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among those on the ground.

“It was a cataclysmic plane crash,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, likening the jet’s descent to a missile strike.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the event as a “horrific tragedy,” confirming that all aboard the aircraft perished.

About Nathalia Gadelha

Gadelha, who also went by Nathalia Filgueiras, was serving as the second-in-command on a flight from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera, Bahamas. She had earned her private pilot’s license while still in high school, achieving this milestone in September 2023 after logging 88 flight hours, despite not holding a driver’s license.

In an interview with CBS12 News in October 2023, Gadelha shared her aspirations of becoming a commercial airline pilot. She completed her ground school in 2020, drawing inspiration from her father, who began flying recreationally in 2018. When teased by her peers about not having a driver’s license, she confidently replied, “Yeah, but I can fly.”

Flight Conditions Prior to the Crash

Moments before the crash, the flight crew communicated with Miami air traffic controllers, reporting light icing and moderate turbulence while requesting a higher altitude. According to recordings from LiveATC.net, the pilot indicated that the aircraft was experiencing significant vertical fluctuations, with the crew ultimately declaring a Mayday. In their final transmission, they reported an alarming descent rate of 20,000 feet per minute, stating, “We’re going to crash into the ground.” The identity of the crew member who made this last communication has not been disclosed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the jet dropped from 35,250 feet to 8,750 feet in just over a minute before impact. At the time of the crash, scattered thunderstorms were present in the area, and the aircraft had recently passed through a stronger storm cell, although the exact impact of weather on the incident remains unclear.

Investigation and Aftermath

The Learjet, approximately 22 years old, is registered to a limited liability company in Delaware. Bombardier, the manufacturer of the Learjet 60, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged to assist with the investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the FAA. NTSB member Tom Chapman is expected to provide updates on the investigation process at a briefing scheduled for 1 PM on Monday at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center. A preliminary report is typically released within 30 days, while a complete determination of the accident’s cause may take a year or more.

This incident marks the second deadliest aviation accident in the United States this year, following a skydiving plane crash in Butler, Missouri, that claimed 12 lives in June, according to NTSB records cited by CNN.

Community Response

In the wake of the crash, approximately 600 residents from a nearby mobile home park were evacuated to the Greenacres Community Center. John I. Leonard High School, located near the crash site, was closed for the day, and a significant portion of Military Trail was cordoned off. Following the impact, there were power outages reported in several areas.

Local resident Anthony Blackmon, who lives within 500 feet of the crash site, reported that debris struck his home. Another eyewitness noted that upon arriving at the scene, he observed a large hole with water gushing from a broken main.

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez of the Diocese of Palm Beach has called for prayers for the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy. The diocese is organizing a Mass to honor the nine individuals who lost their lives.

Source Reference (yahoo.com): Nathalia Gadelha, 20: What We Know About the Copilot Killed in the Florida Learjet Crash