NTSB: Corrosion Caused Dual Engine Failure on Challenger 604

NAPLES, Fla. — The National Transportation Safety Board has identified corrosion as the probable cause of dual engine failure on a Bombardier Challenger 604 operating for Hop-a-Jet that led to an off-airport landing Feb. 9.

According to the NTSB's final report, both General Electric engines suffered corrosion in their variable geometry system components, causing them to operate off-schedule. The incident occurred on final approach to Naples Municipal Airport following 25 days and 33 uneventful flights. Prior to the incident, the aircraft had experienced hung starts at Columbus on Jan. 16, but standard troubleshooting procedures failed to identify the underlying issue.

The NTSB report noted that a GE service bulletin will require inspections of 1,085 engines by March 2026, a process that has already resulted in one additional engine failure and removal. Hop-a-Jet inspected all 12 engines in its six-aircraft fleet following the accident, finding corrosion in two additional engines. The crew successfully executed an off-airport landing after recognizing the emergency situation 90 seconds before touchdown.