By Salma El-Sakka
Allan Filgueiras spoke publicly Friday for the first time since the Learjet 60 his daughter, Nathalia Filgueiras, was co-piloting crashed in Greenacres, Florida, on November 1, killing all nine people on board. The 20-year-old co-pilot's father, also a pilot, said he repeatedly listened to the air traffic control recording of her final moments.
Recording reveals co-pilot's final actions
According to Allan Filgueiras, the recording shows his daughter valiantly fought to maintain control of the aircraft until the very last minute. "She made me so proud," he said at a news conference alongside family attorney Stuart Grossman. "She showed me what it is to be a hero." The father said he heard his daughter warn that the jet was "descending 10,000 feet per minute" and about to crash.
Aviation career began with father's instruction
Born into a Brazilian household in Boca Raton, Nathalia Filgueiras began flying with her father at age 12. She earned her private pilot's license at 17 through a Palm Beach County School District aviation academy program while attending West Boca Raton Community High School. "When we were flying together, I used to instruct her. And then, she became my instructor," Allan Filgueiras said. "She was gifted, and my soulmate."
Attorney emphasizes pilot's qualifications
Grossman said Nathalia Filgueiras was "beyond an average pilot; she was extraordinary" and perfectly qualified to serve as co-pilot despite her age. Flight instructor Chris Kirk described her as having innate skills and being "overprepared" for practical tests. "She was at the top of her class in everything she did," Grossman said.
NTSB investigation underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed 20 investigators to South Florida to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators have recovered parts of one engine and continue excavating the crater at the crash site. "We're not making allegations against anybody at this time," Grossman said. "We're going to listen to what the government uncovers."
Other victims identified
The pilot was identified as Capt. Jeff Gregory, formerly of East Coast Jets. Passengers killed were Adam Robinson and Helen Sharp and their children, Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, along with Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina. Allan Filgueiras expressed condolences to the families of the eight other victims.
