PALM BEACH COUNTY: US investigators are examining aircraft wreckage found miles from a Florida Learjet crash that killed nine people, including two children, on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it recovered most of the Learjet 60’s left elevator. Investigators found the tail component in three pieces, between one and four miles from the crash site.
The evidence indicates that the part separated before impact. However, investigators have not established whether it caused the loss of control or broke away during the aircraft’s descent.
The jet, identified as N722BD, was heading to the Bahamas when it plunged into the ground at more than 300 mph. Both pilots and seven passengers died.
Co-pilot Nathalia Filgueiras, 20, reported an overspeed condition during her final communications with air traffic controllers.
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Investigators are now examining what caused the aircraft to exceed its safe operating speed. Flight Safety Foundation president Hassan Shahidi said severe weather could have contributed to the loss of control.
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He identified turbulence and reported ice accumulation as important areas for examination. A rapidly developing thunderstorm had reached an altitude of 40,000 feet over Palm Beach County.
Meanwhile, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor Robert Joslin described the recovered elevator pieces as important evidence.
Experts have discussed a possible aerodynamic condition known as Mach tuck, which can force an aircraft’s nose sharply downward.
They have also examined the narrow safety margins aircraft can encounter at high altitudes. However, neither condition has been established as the cause of this crash.
The NTSB has asked the public to report additional wreckage as investigators examine the aircraft’s final movements and radio transmissions.
With additional input from USA TODAY and the Associated Press
