Two people died and three others survived after a small jet crash on a Florida highway near Naples, on the state’s southwest coast. Local authorities have not released the identities of the victims who were aboard the Bombardier Challenger 600, a private aircraft that reportedly departed from Ohio. The condition of the remaining three passengers was not immediately known as responders assessed the scene on Friday evening.
The incident happened around 3:21 p.m. local time when the pilot contacted the Naples airport control tower to report trouble. The aircraft then veered toward Interstate 75 and the FAA confirmed the jet made an emergency landing on the roadway after reporting engine trouble. The emergency landing occurred in the highway lanes as responders and air traffic officials coordinated on the ground and in the air.
In audio from the Naples airport control tower, air traffic personnel can be heard relaying a sense of urgency as the pilot warns that two engines had failed while the plane was roughly two miles from the airport. The crew stated they could not reach the airfield and prepared for landing on the highway, a scenario that prompted immediate action from emergency crews and law enforcement on site.
Video circulating on social media shows the jet burning on the roadway, with dense smoke rising above the scene. Emergency responders worked quickly to manage traffic while securing the area and assisting any potential survivors. Authorities emphasized that the incident prompted the interstate to be closed in both directions as investigative teams began their work.
At the scene, investigators from the Florida Highway Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board coordinated their examination of the aircraft and the crash site. Photo and video evidence were collected as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the emergency landing and the resulting impact on the roadway and surrounding areas.
The aircraft involved was noted to be a charter jet operated by Hop a Jet Worldwide Jet Charter. Investigators will review maintenance records, pilot qualifications, weather conditions, and air traffic communications to build a full picture of what occurred and why the aircraft could not complete a safer approach to a runway. The incident has prompted discussions about aviation safety measures for private charters and the steps taken to prevent similar emergencies in the future. Further updates will be provided as the NTSB and local authorities release additional findings and timelines for the investigation. This summary reflects information released by authorities and media observers on the day of the crash and is subject to change as the inquiry progresses. [citation attribution: NTSB and local law enforcement agencies]