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 2024 Hop-A-Jet crash was caused by engine corrosion affecting the variable geometry system, prompting GE to update inspection procedures and the FAA to propose a mandatory Airworthiness Directive.
Hop-A-Jet implemented enhanced pilot training to identify "hung starts" as a critical indicator of engine issues and improved cabin crew training for emergency egress through the baggage compartment.
Hop-A-Jet has filed a lawsuit against GE Aerospace, alleging that the engine manufacturer was aware of and concealed the corrosion defect in its engines that led to the accident.

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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.