A Bombardier Challenger 600 jet, en route from The Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, to Naples Airport, Florida, crashed on Friday, February 9, 2024.
The aircraft, carrying five passengers, crashed on Interstate 75 near Naples, Florida, leading to a fiery explosion and the loss of two lives, the pilot and co-pilot.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the jet departed from Ohio at 1:02 p.m., aiming for a 3:12 p.m. arrival. However, disaster struck shortly before landing as the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC), informing them that they were attempting an emergency landing due to dual engine failure and could not make the runway. They were approximately 250 feet in the air at the time and one minute from the airport.
The plane collided with a vehicle on the southbound side of Interstate 75, close to mile marker 107 near Pine Ridge Road, just miles from Naples Airport, around 3:10 p.m.
In her car on I-75 during the incident, eyewitness Brianna Walker provided an account to the local media. She described how the jet’s wing collided with a car just ahead of her, narrowly avoiding her vehicle. “The wing pulverized this one car… It took a hard right and skid across the highway,” Walker said, highlighting the severity of the crash and the narrow escape experienced by many.
Authorities from the Collier County Sheriff’s Department have named Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park, Florida, and Ian Frederick Hofmann, 60, of Pompano Beach, Florida, as the fatalities in the incident.
The crash survivors are flight crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, from Jupiter, Florida, along with Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, both residing in Columbus, Ohio. They were quickly transported to a hospital for care; however, specifics about their medical states have not been released.
In statements to the media, Hofmann’s family expressed their profound loss and remembered Hofmann as someone who acted heroically in the face of disaster.
On a GoFundMe page dedicated to his father, Chris Hofmann, the deceased pilot’s son, characterized his dad as “the epitome of a professional pilot, boasting more than 40 years and 25,000 hours of flight experience” and as “a devoted family man and father, known for his charm and being dearly loved.”
The son added that, in his final moments, his dad was composed, engaging with ATC to protect the lives of passengers and crew during a critical emergency.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the crash. Their comprehensive analysis will aim to uncover the detailed sequence of events that led to the crash.
The aftermath of the incident saw significant traffic disruptions along I-75, with southbound lanes closed for extended periods. Authorities worked diligently to manage the scene and facilitate alternative travel routes for affected motorists.
The FAA and NTSB are working closely to document the crash site, examine the wreckage, and conduct a thorough evaluation at a secure facility.
