Final Report on Naples Jet Crash Confirms Corrosion Caused Dual Engine Failure

More than two years after a business jet crashed on Interstate 75 near Naples, Florida, federal investigators have released their final findings. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that corrosion in the high-pressure compressors of both engines led to a near-simultaneous loss of thrust, making recovery impossible at low altitude.

The accident occurred on February 9, 2024, involving a Bombardier Challenger 600 operated by Hop-A-Jet. The aircraft had taken off from Ohio State University Airport with two passengers and was en route to Naples Municipal Airport. As the flight descended to approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, both engines lost power.

According to the NTSB report, flight data recorders captured three master warnings beginning just two minutes before impact. The pilots informed air traffic control that the aircraft “was not going to make the runway” before attempting an emergency landing on I-75. The jet struck two vehicles, veered off the highway, and collided with a wall, bursting into flames.

Both pilots were fatally injured. The flight attendant and two passengers escaped through an exit door before the aircraft was fully engulfed in fire.

The NTSB specifically cited high levels of corrosion in critical engine components as the root cause. This corrosion disrupted airflow in the compressors, resulting in rotating compressor stalls and a subsequent loss of thrust in both engines. The report noted that such a dual-engine failure at low altitude left no viable recovery option.

In addition to identifying the mechanical failure, the NTSB faulted GE Aerospace, manufacturer of the CF34-3B engines, for insufficient guidance on detecting corrosion buildup during maintenance. The investigation referenced a prior “hung start” incident involving the same aircraft approximately one month before the crash, which may have been an early indicator of developing issues.

The final report underscores the importance of rigorous inspection protocols for turbine engines, particularly in environments prone to corrosion. It also highlights the need for clear maintenance guidance from manufacturers to prevent similar incidents.

As aviation safety officials review the findings, the focus remains on improving inspection techniques and enhancing communication between manufacturers, operators, and regulatory bodies to address hidden threats like internal corrosion.