Family looking for answers after 20 year old copilot's jet plummeted to earth
A young aviator’s career
Gadelha Filgueiras earned her pilot’s license at 17 and was working toward becoming a commercial airline pilot. Her family praised her as a “tough and professional” aviator. Her father, Filgueiras, described her composure during the flight’s final moments, pointing to her radio calls reporting icing and severe turbulence. The article also says Grossman noted that her qualifications exceeded typical expectations for her age.
Final calls before impact
The Learjet 60 was flying from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas when it encountered severe icing and turbulence while approaching a storm system. Gadelha Filgueiras notified air traffic control of the conditions.
In transmissions obtained by Sky News and CNN, she reported the aircraft was descending and issued a mayday call. About 35 seconds later, she said, “We’re out of time,” according to the report.
Investigation and site access
National Transportation Safety Board investigators remain at the crash site. On Thursday, they reported recovering part of one of the aircraft’s engines. Local authorities said clearing the site could take up to 30 days. Nearby residents and businesses face continued restrictions on access while work continues.
Key points
- The crash killed nine people, including 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras.
- The Learjet was traveling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas when it crashed near Greenacres.
- Filgueiras had reported severe icing and turbulence before the aircraft went down.
- Investigators recovered part of an engine, and site clearance could take up to 30 days.