Aviation expert points to de-icing, autopilot systems as investigators probe deadly Learjet crash

Investigators are examining weather conditions, the aircraft’s speed and other factors as they work to determine what caused a Learjet 60 to crash in Palm Beach County on Sunday, killing nine people. The National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that the crew was flying at 35,000 feet when they encountered ice accumulating on the aircraft. “We have light, clear ice that is manageable and moderate turbulence,” the crew reported. A moment later, the crew indicated conditions were changing and requested to climb to 37,000 feet. Investigators said they were cleared to climb higher. Seconds later, the crew declared an emergency. “Mayday, Mayday, we’re descending 10,000 feet per minute,” the crew reported. Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas with Podhurst Orseck said both icing and turbulence are relatively common occurrences during flight. He said investigators could look at whether an issue involving the aircraft’s de-icing system may have played a role. “Because if i