A charter jet operated by Hop-A-Jet experienced a dual engine failure shortly before attempting to land at Naples Municipal Airport on February 9, 2024. The Bombardier Challenger 604, en route from Columbus, Ohio, was forced to attempt an emergency landing on Interstate 75 in Naples, Florida. Tragically, both pilots on board were killed in the crash. However, the two passengers and a cabin attendant survived, with one person on the ground sustaining minor injuries.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report indicating that the flight crew declared an emergency after experiencing a loss of oil pressure in both engines. This critical failure occurred at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, with the aircraft traveling at 122 knots. Air traffic control cleared the jet to land, but the crew reported they would not be able to reach the runway due to the dual engine failure. The last transmission from the aircraft indicated it was at 900 feet and traveling at 115 knots as it descended over Interstate 75.
Further investigation and data analysis, including information from the flight data recorder, revealed that master warnings for oil pressure issues in both engines were recorded within seconds of each other. The aircraft’s systems alerted the pilots to the critical engine malfunction. While the exact cause of the oil pressure loss is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest potential issues related to compressor stalls, possibly linked to corrosion on variable stator vanes (VSVs) within the engines.
The NTSB’s investigation has involved collaboration with various entities, including GE Aerospace, Bombardier, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The wreckage was transported to Jacksonville for further examination. While initial speculation about the cause varied, including theories about pilot error or throttle manipulation, the NTSB’s focus appears to be on the mechanical failure of the engines. Hop-A-Jet has also conducted internal investigations, exploring possibilities such as unintended throttle latching, though they believe this was unlikely to be the cause of their accident.
The accident led Hop-A-Jet to ground its entire Challenger 600-series fleet as a precautionary measure while the investigation proceeded. The company emphasized its commitment to understanding the cause and preventing future incidents, working closely with the NTSB throughout the meticulous process. The full findings and probable cause are still pending the completion of the NTSB’s comprehensive investigation.
