Investigators say crucial piece of evidence could explain fatal jet crash that killed nine
Investigators have said they've learned more about the plane crash in Florida which resulted in nine deaths as they have found that parts of the plane detached from the aircraft before it impacted the ground.
NTSB Member Tom Chapman said at a press conference today (3 November) that they found 'the majority of the aircraft's left elevator' in three pieces between 1.3 and 3.8 miles away from the scene of the crash in West Palm Beach.
"Knowing that it was lost is a very important piece of evidence in pointing us towards other things we need to investigate."
Tech tycoon Adam Robinson, 44, and his wife Helen Sharp, 40; his two young children Emma, four, and Charlie, two; their friends Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr; and their nanny Anita Maria Cetin were the passengers on board the plane killed in the crash.
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The pilot was Jeff Gregory, 55, and co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20, also died in the crash.
Chapman said that the left elevator was a 'control surface located on the tail' which helps control the pitch of the aircraft, and its discovery in pieces miles away from where the plane came down indicates that it was not attached to the plane when it crashed.
The NTSB are confident of recovering more debris from the crater which will help build more evidence as to what happened, as they are confident of finding 'critical aircraft components'.
He said that they know 'important pieces of the aircraft separated before the impact', but at the moment they're still investigating whether or not the components coming off were a result of the forces being exerted on the aircraft by flying and the weather, and what impact it would have had on the aircraft's flight capability.
They're still working on putting together exactly what happened and why, but locating this piece of evidence is helping them piece together the precise course of events.
The private plane, a Learjet 60, had dropped sharply in a matter of seconds shortly after noting that it was experiencing 'light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence'.
“We’re descending 8,000 — mayday, mayday — we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,” the pilot said, according to recordings of their messages sent to air traffic control.
“We are in an overspeed condition descending 20,000 feet per minute,” the recording plays out, before the final message, “We’re going to crash into the ground.”
Adam Robinson's company Retention.com said in a statement: His company has also paid tribute, saying in a statement: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Adam Robinson, our CEO and co-founder, his wife Helen and their two young children, who died in a tragic plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, on November 1, 2026.
“Adam was much more than our CEO. He was a friend, a mentor and a bold, outspoken leader who lived life to the fullest. He cared deeply about the people around him and brought energy and conviction to everything he built. His loss is deeply felt across our team and the tech community, as we collectively mourn this significant loss.
“Our hearts are with Adam and Helen’s family and loved ones, and with everyone affected by the crash. We ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
“Our immediate focus at Retention.com, RB2B, and Moltsets is supporting our employees and Adam and Helen’s family. We are grateful for the kindness and support extended to them and our team.”
Topics: US News
Joe Harker
