Learjet Crash Update: NTSB Just Revealed What Went Wrong

Summary

The video compares a Learjet’s May 6, 2026, turbulence encounter with the same aircraft’s fatal crash in Florida on November 1. It emphasizes that investigators have not established a connection between the two events.

May flight

On approach to Teterboro, the crew reported “moderate chop” and said it could not maintain its assigned altitude of 4,000 feet. Air traffic control questioned that description, noting that the reported altitude changes sounded consistent with severe turbulence. The crew confirmed severe turbulence and reported no injuries. The aircraft landed safely.

A reconstruction identifies the aircraft as N722BD, though the radio call sign alone does not establish the full registration. The May crew’s identities remain unverified.

November flight

The Learjet, operated by Aurora Aviation doing business as Upper Jets, was flying from Austin toward North Eleuthera in the Bahamas with two pilots and seven passengers.

At about 35,000 feet, the crew reported manageable clear ice and moderate turbulence, with altitude deviations of roughly 700 feet. After requesting and receiving clearance to climb, the crew soon reported a rapid descent and declared an emergency. The aircraft crashed in Palm Beach County, killing all nine people aboard.

Recovered elevator

The NTSB said much of the aircraft’s left elevator was found in three pieces, between about 1.3 and 3.8 miles from the main crash site. The distance indicates the pieces separated before impact.

Investigators have not determined when or why the elevator separated, or what role it played in the crash.

What investigators still need

Maintenance records may show what inspections or repairs followed the May turbulence encounter. The video notes there is no evidence that an inspection was skipped.

Investigators were also seeking a cockpit voice recorder, which could capture crew conversations and cockpit sounds not available in air traffic control recordings. Access to the water-filled crater was among the practical obstacles described.

Investigation status

The investigation is still assembling the radio sequence, recovered parts, records, and other evidence. The video says an initial factual report was expected roughly a month after the crash, while a probable-cause determination would come later.

Presenters and contributors

• Presenter/narrator: Unidentified
• Contributor quoted: Tom Chapman, NTSB board member
• Pilots named in the video: Jeff Gregory and Nathalia Filgaras