The father of a 20-year-old co-pilot killed in the devastating Florida Learjet crash has shared an emotional wish about his daughter's final moments, as investigators continue examining the tragedy that claimed nine lives.
Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras was serving as first officer aboard the Learjet 60 when it crashed in Palm Beach County on November 1, 2026.
Her father, Allan Filgueiras, has since spoken publicly about the loss of his daughter, describing their shared passion for aviation and the memories that have taken on a different meaning since her death.
He also revealed the one thing he desperately wished he could have done as the aircraft encountered difficulties.
What was Nathalia Filgueiras' father's heartbreaking wish?
Allan Filgueiras said he wished he could have been aboard the aircraft with his daughter during its final moments, so he could help her.
Speaking at a press conference following the crash, the grieving father said: "I wanted to be by her side inside the plane to help, to be by her. I had to be next to her."
Allan, who is also a recreational pilot, spoke of his pride in Nathalia and her determination to keep working as the emergency unfolded.
"She made me so proud. She showed me what it is to be a hero," he said.
He explained that he had listened repeatedly to recordings reportedly capturing the aircraft's final communications, trying to understand what had happened.
"I did listen to that many times, trying to find a clue in my head, how that happened. And wow, she's tough."
His remarks offered a glimpse into the grief experienced by a father who had helped inspire his daughter's career in aviation.
What happened during the Florida Learjet crash?
The Learjet 60 was travelling towards the Bahamas when it encountered difficulties at approximately 35,000 feet.
According to reported air traffic control recordings, the crew discussed turbulence and ice accumulation before requesting permission to climb to a higher altitude.
The situation subsequently deteriorated, with the pilots issuing an emergency call as the aircraft began descending rapidly.
Reports indicate the jet fell at a rate exceeding 20,000 feet per minute during its final moments.
The aircraft crashed near a mobile home community in Palm Beach County, killing all nine people aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the circumstances of the accident, and no definitive cause has been established.
Although the reported communications have attracted considerable attention, investigators have not concluded that any particular action by the crew caused the crash.
Who was killed in the Learjet 60 crash?
Among those who died were technology entrepreneur Adam Robinson, 44, his wife Helen Sharp and their children Emma, four, and Charlie, two.
The family had been travelling with their nanny, Anita Maria Ramirez Cetina, and friends Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr.
Captain Jeffrey Gregory, 55, and co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20, were also killed.
The group was reportedly heading to the Bahamas to celebrate Robinson's birthday.
Tributes have since been paid to those who lost their lives, with families and colleagues remembering their loved ones.
What did Nathalia's father say about their final day together?
Allan revealed that he had spent an afternoon with Nathalia just four days before the accident.
The pair enjoyed lunch together, sharing time that he would later remember as particularly meaningful.
"This is the best day of my life to spend this afternoon with you," he recalled telling his daughter.
But when they parted, Allan experienced an unexpected moment of sadness.
"For a second, because I wouldn't let it last more than that, I felt so sad, and it's a feeling that I never had before in my life," he explained.
At the time, he had no reason to believe anything was wrong.
Now, the memory has become especially painful.
"I can't believe that was the last day that I spent with her," he said.
How did Nathalia become a pilot at such a young age?
Nathalia's love of aviation began when she was around 12 years old, after accompanying her father on flights.
Allan, who flew recreationally, remembered how quickly his daughter became fascinated by the experience.
She eventually told him that flying was the only career she wanted to pursue.
"Dad, there's nothing else that I want to do in my life other than flying," she said, according to her father.
He encouraged her to follow that ambition, telling her that she could achieve what she wanted through determination.
By the age of 17, Nathalia had obtained her pilot's license before earning her driver's license.
She later trained at American Flyers and obtained commercial pilot and flight instructor qualifications.
Federal Aviation Administration records also showed that she was qualified to serve as a first officer on the Learjet 60.
For someone so young, she had already achieved several significant milestones in her chosen profession.
What was Nathalia's final message before the crash?
Separate reporting has described a text message Nathalia sent to her boyfriend, Justin, approximately 10 minutes before the accident.
According to the account, she wrote: "I've got turbulence, I've got ice."
The message has attracted attention because it appears to describe some of the conditions the crew had been experiencing.
However, it does not independently establish the cause of the crash, which remains under investigation.
Investigators will need to consider flight data, aircraft systems, weather conditions and other evidence before reaching conclusions.
How is Nathalia's father remembering his daughter?
In an interview with CNN, Allan described Nathalia as his "soulmate", explaining that their shared interest in flying had been central to their relationship.
He remembered how happy she had been to turn her passion into a profession.
According to Allan, Nathalia once joked that she loved flying so much she would happily pay for the experience, yet was now being paid to do it.
Her enthusiasm made her achievements particularly meaningful to him.
Despite the devastating loss, Allan has vowed to continue flying as a way of keeping his daughter's memory alive.
"I will continue her legacy," he said.
"Each time that I'm gonna be flying, I'm gonna be connecting with her. I want to make her proud."
As the investigation continues, his words have highlighted the personal tragedy behind the aviation disaster.
For Allan, Nathalia was more than a promising young pilot. She was his daughter, his closest companion and someone with whom he had shared a lifelong love of flying.
Sources: VT, November 7, 2026; CNN interview with Allan Filgueiras; CNN Brasil reporting; FAA certification information as reported by VT.
