As the investigation into the tragic plane crash on I-75 in Naples unfolds, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report disclosing crucial details of the events leading up to the disaster.
RELATED: Florida Man Flies Plane Into Oncoming Traffic On I-75 Just South of Tampa
A recent NTSB preliminary report details the events preceding the fatal crash of a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet on February 9.
NTSB issues its preliminary report for the ongoing investigation of the Feb. 9 crash of a Bombardier Inc. CL-600-2B16 airplane in Naples, Florida: https://t.co/mIETymqUtC
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) February 27, 2024
According to the NTSB report, the flight crew encountered three master warnings beginning at 3:09 p.m., a mere eight minutes before the crash. These warnings, indicating issues with both left and right engine oil pressures, were followed by a generic “ENGINE” warning. Shortly after, the crew transmitted their distress, declaring a loss of both engines and initiating an emergency landing.
Despite clearance from the tower controller, the crew couldn’t reach the runway due to engine failure, marking their final transmission. Dashcam footage showed the plane making a shallow left turn, aligning with southbound traffic on I-75, and colliding with a concrete barrier.
Tragically, both Murphy and Hofmann perished in the crash. The cabin attendant safely guided two passengers through the tail section’s baggage compartment door, with only minor injuries.
The report revealed Murphy had 10,525 flight hours, including 2,808 in the same make and model as the crashed plane. Similarly, Hofmann had accumulated 24,618 flight hours, including 138 hours in the same aircraft type.
As investigators sift through the wreckage, focusing on the engines, the cause of the fatal crash remains under scrutiny. The NTSB emphasizes that the information provided in the preliminary report is subject to change as the investigation progresses.
