Radio recordings reveal pilot’s haunting last words before Florida plane crash
Pilot reports rapid descent
The pilot radioed, “We’re descending 8,000 - mayday, mayday,” according to audio obtained by Sky News and CNN. The pilot then described the aircraft descending at 10,000 feet per minute. In a later transmission, the pilot said the descent had reached 20,000 feet per minute and warned, “We’re going to crash into the ground.” The plane had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas for the Bahamas.
Ice and turbulence reported
According to CNN, which reviewed records on LiveATC.net, the pilot reported ice accumulating on the aircraft and an outside temperature of -47 degrees Celsius. The aircraft also encountered turbulence that bounced the plane by around 700 feet, the report said.
Investigation and victims
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on social media that the Federal Aviation Administration was sending a team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation. The nine people who died have not been named. Authorities have not specified how many were passengers or crew. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he did not know whether anyone aboard was from Florida, and there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries on the ground.
Key points
- Nine people died in the Bahamas-bound jet crash in South Florida.
- The pilot reported a steep descent and warned the plane would hit the ground.
- CNN reported the pilot had noted ice accumulation, an outside temperature of -47 degrees Celsius and turbulence.
- The victims have not been identified, and the passenger and crew counts remain unknown.