NTSB Releases Final Report on Fatal CL604 Crash

Investigators cite corrosion in 2024 dual engine failure.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:28 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

NTSB logo and image [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB determined that severe corrosion in both engines' variable geometry (VG) systems was the probable cause of the Bombardier Challenger 604 crash, leading to a loss of engine power.
The corrosion, consistent with seawater exposure from the aircraft's coastal basing, went undetected during prior "hung start" incidents due to inadequate fault isolation guidance from the engine manufacturer.
The crash on a Florida interstate resulted in the deaths of the pilot and copilot, while the cabin attendant and two passengers escaped with minor injuries through the baggage compartment door.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has cited corrosion in both engines as the probable cause in the crash of a Bombardier Challenger 604 on a Florida freeway in 2024.

The pilot and copilot were killed in the fire following the crash. The cabin attendant and the two passengers on board escaped through the baggage compartment door with minor injuries. A motorist was also slightly injured when the aircraft came down on a heavily traveled interstate during rush hour.