Family says 20-year-old co-pilot fought until last minute in Florida crash

The family of Nathalia Filgueiras, a 20-year-old co-pilot who died in a Learjet crash in South Florida, spoke publicly for the first time since the accident, CBS News reported. The crash on November 1 killed all nine people on board, including Filgueiras.

Her father, Allan Filgueiras, who is also a pilot, described listening repeatedly to the air traffic control recording of his daughter's last moments. He said it showed her fighting valiantly to maintain control of the aircraft until the end, according to NBC News.

Allan Filgueiras expressed pride in his daughter's actions and called her a hero. He and the family's attorney emphasized the importance of investigating the crash and preserving Nathalia's memory and reputation.

Nathalia was inspired by her father to become a pilot, beginning her training with him before earning her pilot's license while still in high school, CBS News reported. The family conveyed condolences to the loved ones of the other victims.

The family's statements came during a news conference held on November 6, where they highlighted Nathalia's extraordinary skill as a pilot and the need to understand the cause of the crash, NBC News added.