He later moved into business, launching several ventures, including one he eventually sold.Deep DiveRobinson was a strong supporter of building businesses without outside investment. He regularly shared his experiences and advice on growing companies into multi-million-dollar businesses with small teams and limited resources.In April 2026, he shared a post on X that read: “You don’t need to crash a plane to learn to fly … and you don’t need VC to build a business.”The post has resurfaced following news of his death in the Florida plane crash.What happened in the plane crash?The Learjet 60, registered as N722BD, departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was headed to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas.While cruising at around 35,000 feet, the crew reported light clear icing and moderate turbulence.

Minutes later, the aircraft entered a rapid descent, with reports indicating an overspeed condition.The jet crashed near Military Trail in Greenacres, Palm Beach County, shortly before 1 p.m. on Sunday. The impact created a crater and triggered a massive fire.All nine people aboard were killed.The passengers included Robinson, his wife, Helen Sharp, their children Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, their nanny, Anita Maria Apellido Cetina, and family friends Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr.One person on the ground was also injured but survived.Who were the pilot and co-pilot?The aircraft was flown by Captain Jeff Gregory, 55, from Pennsylvania, and co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20, from Boca Raton, Florida.

Both died in the crash.Filgueiras earned her pilot's license at 17 and had logged more than 1,300 flight hours. She worked for a charter company based in Fort Lauderdale and hoped to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot.Her family described her as responsible and hardworking.Also Read: Learjet co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras texted boyfriend about ‘turbulence’ minutes before fatal Florida crashWhat is the latest on the investigation?The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash.

A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks and may provide more details about the aircraft's final moments and the circumstances leading up to the accident.The cause of the crash has not yet been officially determined.Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports.

Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment.

She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events.

Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films.

She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More