Hop-A-Jet President Reflects on 2024 Crash After NTSB Findings

Company has made changes to training and procedures amid pursuit of claims against GE Aerospace.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, May 01, 2026 at 02:04 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The Hop-A-Jet Challenger 604 involved in the 2024 crash. [Credit: Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Charter]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB determined the fatal Hop-A-Jet crash was caused by extensive corrosion in the GE CF34-3B engines' variable geometry system, leading to dual engine failure.
In response, GE implemented updated inspection procedures, and the FAA is issuing an Airworthiness Directive (AD) to mandate more frequent and detailed engine checks and functional tests to prevent similar failures.
Hop-A-Jet has enhanced its crew training, focusing on pilot recognition of "hung starts" as a critical indicator of potential variable guide vane system issues, and improving cabin crew emergency egress procedures via the baggage compartment.
Hop-A-Jet has filed a lawsuit against GE Aerospace, alleging the engine failure stemmed from a known, inherent defect that GE failed to disclose and actively tried to conceal.

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The only good thing that can come out of an aviation accident is the information learned through a subsequent investigation, which can be used to make aviation safer.

That’s the attitude of Barry Ellis, president of Hop-A-Jet, in response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s final report on the 2024 crash of a company jet in Florida. The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident to be corrosion found in the engines.