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Florida Learjet pilot identified as 20-year-old woman who got her pilot’s licence before she could drive

A young woman’s lifelong dream of flying ended in tragedy when a private jet crashed in Florida, killing all nine people aboard. Her family has identified 20-year-old Nathalia Gadelha among the victims.

Gadelha was one of the pilots aboard a Learjet 60 that crashed near Cresthaven on November 1. The aircraft had departed Austin, Texas, for the Bahamas.

Her passion for aviation began early. Encouraged by her father, she started flight lessons in 2020 and earned her private pilot’s license at just 17, in 2023.

Cockpit recordings reportedly captured urgent warnings during the aircraft’s final descent, including a female voice describing the rapid drop and steep bank. Another voice appeared to recite the Lord’s Prayer, although the speaker has not been identified.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that all nine people aboard died. The other victims had not yet been publicly identified.

Aviation expert shares possible cause of private jet plunging 35,000ft, killing nine

La piloto de un Learjet en Florida ha sido identificada como una mujer de 20 años que obtuvo su licencia de piloto antes de poder conducir.