NTSB Details Final Moments of Humanitarian Flight That Crashed in Coral Springs, Killing Pastor and Daughter

NTSB Reveals Timeline of Fatal Humanitarian Flight

New details released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) outline the final moments of a Beech King Air B100 that crashed in Coral Springs, Florida, on Nov. 10 while en route to deliver relief supplies to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

Rapid Descent and Impact

The aircraft departed Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and, only minutes into the flight, began an abrupt descent of roughly 1,500 feet, the NTSB report obtained by PEOPLE shows. Air traffic controllers attempting to communicate with the crew heard heavy breathing and what the agency described as "grunting" on the radio.

Seconds later the plane’s last recorded position was approximately 200 feet west and 350 feet above the eventual impact site. Security camera footage reviewed by investigators shows the airplane nose-diving into a small pond in Coral Springs. The crash occurred at 10:19 a.m. local time.

Victims and Community Response

Both occupants aboard were killed: pastor and pilot Alexander Wurm, 53, founder of the ministry Ignite the Fire and a well-known pastor in the Cayman Islands, and his daughter Serena Wurm, 22. The ministry described Alexander as "known for his warmth and unwavering kindness" and said Serena was "following in her father's footsteps," devoted to humanitarian work.

“Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage,” the ministry said in a tribute.

Aircraft, Cargo and Preflight Details

The NTSB report documents that Alexander Wurm purchased the Beech King Air B100 in February 2024. In June the aircraft underwent a full interior refurbishment and an avionics upgrade. Before the relief flight, the group organizing the trip was told the airplane could carry 1,000 pounds of cargo.

Investigators noted that the cargo was not weighed prior to departure. Photographs taken after loading showed supplies unsecured on passenger seats while the center aisle remained clear. According to the report, some intended cargo was left behind to be carried on a later trip.

Recordings and nearby footage showed no visible smoke or vapors from the aircraft prior to impact.

Investigation Underway

The NTSB continues to investigate the sequence of events that led to the abrupt descent and crash. Authorities say the findings raise questions about preflight weight verification, cargo restraint practices, and overall aircraft readiness during humanitarian missions.

The crash ended a mission to deliver relief supplies to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa and prompted an outpouring of grief from members of Ignite the Fire and the broader humanitarian community.