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 cited corrosion in both engines' variable geometry (VG) system as the probable cause for the 2024 Bombardier Challenger 604 crash on a Florida freeway.
This corrosion obstructed airflow to the high-pressure compressor, leading to a loss of engine power and the subsequent dual-engine failure.
The aircraft had experienced prior engine issues (hung starts) a month before the accident, but inadequate fault isolation guidance from the engine manufacturer prevented the identification of the underlying corrosion.
The crash tragically killed the pilot and copilot, but the cabin attendant and two passengers survived with minor injuries by evacuating through the baggage compartment.

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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.