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

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

NTSB logo and image [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB determined that corrosion in both engines' variable geometry (VG) systems was the probable cause of the 2024 Bombardier Challenger 604 crash on a Florida freeway, killing the pilot and copilot.
This corrosion, containing elements commonly found in seawater and linked to the aircraft's prolonged coastal basing, obstructed airflow to the engines' high-pressure compressors, leading to a complete loss of power.
A month before the accident, the aircraft experienced "hung start" issues, but inadequate fault isolation guidance from the engine manufacturer prevented the identification of the underlying corrosion.
The cabin attendant and two passengers survived with minor injuries after the aircraft crash-landed on Interstate 75 during rush hour, also slightly injuring a motorist.

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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.