Accidents
Loss of Control During Severe Turbulence Caused Challenger Crash
The fatal crash of a Challenger 601-3A on May 5, 2019, was the result of a loss of control due to a rapid climb and inversion caused by severe turbulence.

The fatal crash of a Bombardier Challenger 601-3A on May 5, 2019, was the result of “a loss of control due to a rapid climb and inversion caused by severe atmospheric instability, inducing both engines to shut down,” according to the final report from Mexico’s DGAC. A contributing factor was the “inability of the aircraft’s [weather] radar to provide information for an undetermined reason.” The two crew members and 11 passengers were killed in the accident.

The aircraft, N601VH, took off at about 3 p.m. from Las Vegas on a Part 91 IFR flight to Monterrey, Mexico, according to the report. At about 5:30 p.m., the aircraft began encountering turbulence and ATC granted a request to climb from FL390 to FL410. Not long after, the aircraft disappeared from ATC radar and communication were lost.