Overview
- The NTSB, which released its final report Friday, concluded corrosion in both GE CF34-3B engines’ variable-geometry hardware caused a near-simultaneous loss of thrust and the February 9, 2024 highway crash in Naples, Florida.
- Investigators found heavy damage in the stage 5 variable-geometry stator area that restricted vane motion and choked airflow to the high-pressure compressor, with chemical tests pointing to seawater exposure and long basing near ocean airports.
- The jet had warning signs about 25 days earlier with hung starts on both engines, yet troubleshooting ended without a variable-geometry pressure check after the engines later started normally.
- The airplane then flew 33 more flights before the accident, and the NTSB faulted inadequate fault-isolation guidance that kept maintenance from identifying VG corrosion during those earlier checks.
- GE issued a service warning that led to inspections, the removal of seven engines including four from the accident operator, and revised hung-start guidance that moves the VG pressure check to the start of the process.