Father of 20-year-old pilot says daughter fought to control jet before crash

Allan Filgueiras has repeatedly listened to air traffic control recordings from the crash of a Learjet 60 in Florida on Sunday, which killed nine people. The father, who is also a pilot, said the audio demonstrated that his daughter, 20-year-old Nathalia Filgueiras, actively fought to keep the aircraft under control until the final moments.

The crash occurred in Greenacre, Florida. All nine individuals on board died. NTSB investigators recovered parts of one engine on Thursday and continue to excavate the crater at the crash site. The agency deployed 20 investigators to South Florida to determine the cause of the accident. No formal allegations have been made against any party yet.

Allan Filgueiras spoke for the first time publicly on Friday at a news conference alongside Stuart Grossman, the family's attorney. Grossman stated that the goal is to preserve Nathalia's reputation and memory. He described her as extraordinary and well beyond the average pilot. Grossman noted that Nathalia earned her private pilot license while still in high school.

Nathalia Filgueiras was born in Boca Raton to a Brazilian family. Allan Filgueiras began teaching her to fly when she was 12. She later attended an aviation academy through a Palm Beach County School District program that covered her costs. Allan Filgueiras recalled that she expressed joy at receiving payment for her training. He stated that he initially instructed her, but she eventually became his own instructor.

The pilot identified as Captain Jeff Gregory previously worked for East Coast Jets. April Honnen, the company director, confirmed his employment on social media. The passengers included Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, and their children Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2. Other passengers were Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina. Flight instructor Chris Kirk told TODAY.com that Nathalia was overprepared for her practical tests and qualified for the co-pilot role.

During the incident, Nathalia warned controllers that the jet was descending at 10,000 feet per minute. Allan Filgueiras said he wishes he had been inside the plane to assist her. He described the loss as feeling like his heart is being torn from his chest. He said he is determined to find a way to live and make his daughter proud.