A private jet crash in Naples, Florida has claimed the lives of two passengers and caused chaos on the I-75 highway. The Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving investigators puzzled as they try to determine the cause of the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into the incident.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred around 15:15 local time on February 9. The aircraft, carrying five passengers, was en route from The Ohio State University Airport (OSU) to Naples Airport (APF). Tragically, two passengers were killed when the plane crashed into the nearby I-75 highway.
Details regarding the impact on the ground and whether the aircraft hit any vehicles are yet to be confirmed by the FAA. The incident resulted in a six-mile stretch of I-75 being closed, causing total gridlock and severe traffic congestion.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and Robin King, Director of Communications at Naples Airport, revealed that the pilots had reported losing both engines a few minutes before the scheduled landing at Naples Airport. The NTSB is now tasked with uncovering the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Florida state troopers and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene immediately, resulting in the closure of I-75 for at least 24 hours. Images from the crash site depict billowing smoke and flames, painting a grim picture of the incident.
The aircraft, identified as a Canadian-built twin-engine Challenger 600 with registration N823KD, belongs to the Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Charter service. The jet, designed to accommodate 12 passengers, was operating below its maximum capacity at the time of the crash.
This incident follows a similar one on January 31, 2022, where a Challenger 600 jet suffered significant damage after its wingtips struck the runway multiple times during a landing at London’s Stansted Airport. While that accident was non-fatal, the NTSB investigation into the Naples crash will examine any potential connections between the two incidents.
The NTSB investigation is expected to provide more information about the cause of the tragedy and shed light on the events leading up to the crash. Meanwhile, the closure of I-75 will continue to impact traffic in the area as authorities work diligently to investigate the scene.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims and the aviation community await answers regarding the circumstances that led to this tragic crash. Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating incident.
