Federal investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the Learjet 60 that crashed near Greenacres on Nov. 1, killing all nine people aboard, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a Monday update.
The recorder was found at the site of the plane’s initial impact. The NTSB sent it to its Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C., where it is being evaluated. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the device holds usable audio. The agency also said excavation at the impact site is finished. It has not given a timeline for the evaluation.
The jet, operated by Aurora Aviation, doing business as Upper Jet, was flying from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas. Two pilots and seven passengers died. Earlier, the NTSB said the crew reported icing and turbulence near 35,000 feet and asked to climb before reporting an emergency and a rapid descent.
Crews also recovered parts from both wings and both engines, along with portions of the flight deck and stabilizers. Some components were found miles from the site, and NTSB board member Thomas Chapman said that indicates at least some pieces separated before impact. Investigators have not determined whether that contributed to the crash.
Palm Beach County officials said residents of the Green Acres Mobile Home Community can begin returning home. Those whose homes are damaged and still uninhabitable have temporary housing. Military Trail remains closed between 10th Avenue North and Cresthaven Boulevard. The county is also proposing a $250,000 grant program for affected businesses, with awards of up to $5,000.
