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:

An NTSB investigation is underway into an inflight upset on a business jet that resulted in a passenger fatality, with autopilot and aircraft trim issues identified as potential contributing factors.
The flight had an initial aborted takeoff due to a pitot probe cover left on, and later continued despite a "RUDDER LIMITER FAULT" advisory message.
During climb, after engaging the autopilot, the crew observed multiple caution messages related to autopilot and stabilizer trim failures.
Following a checklist, the crew switched the stabilizer trim to 'OFF', causing an abrupt pitch-up and severe oscillations (up to +4.2g) which fatally injured a passenger.

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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.