AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Father Honors Daughter After Learjet Crash in Florida
Allan Filgueiras, father of 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Filgueiras, spoke publicly for the first time following the fatal Learjet 60 crash in Florida that claimed the lives of all nine on board. At a news conference on Friday, he shared moving recollections and called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy.
Nathalia Filgueiras’s Final Moments
Filgueiras described listening repeatedly to his daughter's final air traffic control call in search of answers. “She valiantly fought until the very last minute to keep control of the aircraft,” he said, emphasizing her determination even as the plane was descending at an alarming 10,000 feet per minute. Allan, who is also a pilot, added, “She made me so proud. She showed me what it is to be a hero.”
A Bright Future in Aviation
Nathalia Filgueiras, inspired by her father, learned to fly at a young age. Allan began teaching her himself before she obtained her private pilot’s license while still in high school, participating in a program run by the Palm Beach County School District and her school’s aviation academy. “She was gifted, and my soulmate,” Allan recalled. Attorney Stuart Grossman, representing the family, highlighted her skills: “Nathalia was beyond an average pilot; she was extraordinary.”
Impact on Family and Aviation Community
Grossman addressed the surprise some feel at a 20-year-old serving as a co-pilot on a private jet, stating her experience and qualifications were exceptional. Flight instructor Chris Kirk noted that Nathalia was always 'overprepared' for her practical tests and consistently at the top of her class. “She was perfectly qualified to be the co-pilot of this flight despite her tender years,” Grossman said.
The Crash and Investigation
The Learjet 60, which crashed in Greenacres, Florida, on November 1, also killed pilot Capt. Jeff Gregory and seven passengers identified by relatives as Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp and their children Emma and Charlie, along with Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent a team of 20 investigators to South Florida, recovering engine parts and continuing their examination of the crash site.
Continuing the Search for Answers
“We’re not making allegations against anybody at this time. We’re going to do the right thing. We’re going to listen to what the government uncovers,” Grossman said, adding that the family would continue to preserve Nathalia’s reputation while the investigation proceeds.
Reflecting on the impact of his loss, Allan Filgueiras shared, “It feels like someone is tearing the heart right out of my chest. I have to find a way to live and make it through.” He vowed to honor Nathalia’s legacy and strength, stating, “I’m going to find a way to make her proud.”
Related coverage
Source: nbcnews.com.
