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, leading to a complete loss of engine power.
The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilot and copilot, while the cabin attendant, two passengers, and one motorist on the ground sustained minor injuries.
Chemical analysis indicated the corrosion contained elements found in seawater, consistent with the aircraft's coastal basing. Inadequate troubleshooting guidance from the engine manufacturer during a previous "hung start" incident a month prior was cited as preventing earlier detection of the corrosion.

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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.