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:

A business jet's initial takeoff was aborted due to an overlooked pitot probe cover, and the flight later proceeded despite a "RUDDER LIMITER FAULT" advisory.
During the subsequent climb, the aircraft experienced multiple autopilot disengagements and EICAS caution messages related to autopilot and stabilizer trim failures.
An abrupt and violent pitch event occurred when the crew switched the stabilizer trim to 'OFF' as part of a checklist, resulting in a passenger's fatal injury.

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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.