At about 11:41 eastern time, a Learjet 55 and and Extra EA-300S collided in flight about 2 miles southwest of the Boca Raton Airport. The three occupants of the Learjet were killed and the pilot of the Extra, U.S. Aerobatics Team member John Lillberg, was also killed. The Extra had departed Pompano Beach Airpark about four minutes before the collision and the Learjet departed runway 23 at Boca about 1 minute 30 seconds before impact. The Extra was cruising at 2,400 feet on a heading of 341 when the Learjet took off. As it climbed out, the Learjet turned to a heading of 269. Shortly before the collision, the Extra turned to a heading of 360. A witness said the Extra appeared to begin an evasive maneuver with a descending turn just before impact.
June 23, Boca Raton, Fla. / Learjet 55 and Extra 300S
At about 11:41 eastern time, a Learjet 55 and and Extra EA-300S collided in flight about 2 miles southwest of the Boca Raton Airport. The three occupants of the Learjet were killed and the pilot of the Extra, U.S. Aerobatics Team member John Lillberg, was also killed. The Extra had departed Pompano Beach Airpark about four minutes before the collision and the Learjet departed runway 23 at Boca about 1 minute 30 seconds before impact. The Extra was cruising at 2,400 feet on a heading of 341 when the Learjet took off. As it climbed out, the Learjet turned to a heading of 269. Shortly before the collision, the Extra turned to a heading of 360. A witness said the Extra appeared to begin an evas...
Key Takeaways:
- A mid-air collision between a Learjet 55 and an Extra EA-300S occurred near Boca Raton Airport at approximately 11:41 AM ET.
- All four occupants across both aircraft, including U.S. Aerobatics Team member John Lillberg piloting the Extra, were fatally injured.
- The Learjet had recently departed Boca Raton while climbing, and the Extra was cruising at 2,400 feet after taking off from Pompano Beach.
- A witness reported seeing the Extra initiate an evasive, descending turn moments before the impact.
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