Jet Owner Sues GE, Bombardier Over Fatal I-75 Crash Engine Defects
The owners of a charter jet that crashed on Interstate 75 near Naples, Florida, in 2024 have filed a class-action lawsuit against the aircraft’s engine manufacturer and several maintenance companies, alleging defective design and failure to disclose known safety risks. The crash, which killed two pilots, occurred after both engines failed mid-flight.
Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Jet Charter, operator of the Bombardier Challenger 604 involved in the accident, filed the lawsuit along with two of its subsidiaries in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The defendants named in the case include General Electric Company, GE Aerospace, Bombardier Inc., Learjet Inc., Turbine Engine Specialists Inc., and Duncan Aviation Inc.
According to the complaint, the aircraft’s twin General Electric CF34-3B engines suffered internal corrosion that was undetectable during normal inspection procedures due to alleged design flaws. The suit claims that the defendants failed to disclose or properly address the risks, which ultimately led to catastrophic engine failure.
“Although GE, Bombardier, and Bombardier Aerospace knew or should have known that defects and dangerous conditions existed in engines within the CF34 family—including those CF34-3B engines on the subject aircraft—they did not communicate or warn owners, operators, or users,” the lawsuit states. It further alleges that the companies failed to inform regulators and maintenance providers about the problem, despite prior awareness of corrosion-related safety issues.
The plaintiffs contend that the engines’ poor design limited access to critical internal areas during maintenance, making it nearly impossible for technicians to detect corrosion before it caused damage. The suit accuses the companies of negligence, product liability, and concealment of material safety information, seeking damages for financial losses and reputational harm resulting from the crash.
The February 2024 accident occurred when the Challenger 604, operated by Hop-A-Jet, experienced a dual engine failure and attempted an emergency landing on I-75 near Naples Municipal Airport. The aircraft struck several vehicles before bursting into flames, killing both pilots on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet issued its final report on the accident but previously released preliminary findings indicating that corrosion in the engines’ variable guide vane system contributed to compressor stalls.
GE Aerospace has stated it is cooperating fully with the NTSB investigation, emphasizing its commitment to safety and expressing condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Bombardier, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, mysuncoast.com