NTSB finds Learjet 60's missing elevator miles from Greenacres crash

The NTSB said this week it is examining whether part of the Learjet 60 that crashed into a Greenacres, Florida, neighborhood on Nov. 1 separated from the aircraft before impact, as investigators work to determine what sent the jet into an uncontrolled, high-speed descent. The jet, which was bound for the Bahamas, departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas at about 15:37 UTC and climbed to a cruising altitude of 41,000 feet according to ADS-B data (which is preliminary and unofficial). The accident aircraft was 22 years old and, per the FAA registry, registered to LR60271 LLC of Wilmington, Delaware. It began to step down in altitude at 17:37 UTC, leveling off at 35,000 by about 17:42 UTC. At that point, the crew reported moderate turbulence, with altitude swings of 600 to 700 feet. When asked for outside air temperature, they gave -47°C and said the crew was managing ice. They then asked the controller about smoother altitudes and was told that conditions were improving ahead. The crew then reported precipitation and asked to climb, and was given clearance to 37,000 feet by ATC. However, seconds later the crew declared a Mayday at a descent rate of 10,000 fpm, followed by a report of an overspeed at a 20,000 fpm descent. The next report from the crew was a 22,000 fpm descent rate and a 60-degree bank. The Learjet crashed at a severe nose-down attitude at approximately 12:50 p.m. EST near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in the Greenacres area. All nine people on board died. The icing, moderate turbulence and later precipitation place weather and high-altitude operations near the center of the discussion, even though investigators have not determined whether either contributed to the accident. The investigation expanded this week after NTSB officials said it is examining evidence that portions of the Learjet 60's left elevator may have separated before impact. According to investigators, debris has been located away from the primary crash site, prompting a closer examination of whether an in-flight breakup occurred during the aircraft's final moments. Investigators are working to recover and analyze additional wreckage from the debris field and have emphasized that the findings remain preliminary as they continue reconstructing the accident sequence. One part of the aircraft that may have separated was the left elevator of the Learjet's pitch, which was found in three pieces multiple miles away near West Palm Beach. Without the elevator intact, the pilot would not have been able to pull the Learjet out of its nosedive, said NTSB member Tom Chapman. "At those speeds I don't know that it would've been effective even if it had still been attached to the aircraft, but knowing that it was lost is a very important piece of evidence in terms of pointing us toward other things to investigate," said Chapman, according to AP News. What happens next A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days of the crash. A final report is to be expected in 12 to 24 months, where the NTSB will state the official cause.