Florida Learjet crash investigation follows death of 20-year-old co-pilot

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation is underway following a Learjet 60 crash in South Florida that killed all nine people on board. Among the victims was 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, who had earned her pilot’s license at age 17.

Audio recordings from the final minutes of the flight capture Filgueiras reporting icing and turbulence to air traffic control before declaring an emergency as the aircraft descended rapidly. Her final transmission was recorded as, “We’re out of time.”

Filgueiras’ father, also a pilot, spoke at a news conference to honor his daughter’s passion for aviation. He described her as a hero who fought until the end. His attorney stated they are not making allegations at this time but intend to review the government’s findings and expert analysis regarding the cause of the crash.