NTSB Details Possible Factors After Fatal Biz Jet Incident

Investigators are scrutinizing elevator trim and the aircraft's autopilot as possible factors.

Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10:54 AM ET

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NTSB investigating a possible trim issue aboard a business jet after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the death of a passenger. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The flight began with an aborted takeoff due to a pitot probe cover left on, followed by a "RUDDER LIMITER FAULT" advisory and unset V-speeds for the subsequent takeoff, but the flight continued.
During the climb, the aircraft experienced multiple autopilot engagement/disengagement issues, accompanied by master cautions and EICAS messages indicating autopilot and stabilizer trim failures.
An abrupt, severe pitch-up and oscillations occurred after the crew followed a checklist to switch the primary stabilizer trim to "OFF," resulting in a passenger's fatal injury and prompting an NTSB investigation focusing on autopilot and aircraft trim.

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Problems with the autopilot and aircraft trim are being looked at as possible factors in an inflight upset that took the life of a passenger aboard a business jet earlier this month.

On March 3, a Bombardier Challenger 300 was flying from Dillant/Hopkins Airport (KEEN), Keene, New Hampshire, to Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO) in Virginia. There were two pilots and three passengers on board. One of the passengers was a child.