The Bombardier Challenger 604 jet that crashed on Interstate 75 in southwest Florida struck two vehicles that were traveling on the highway, the Federal Aviation Administration revealed. NBC6’s Steve Litz reports
The Bombardier Challenger 604 jet that crashed on Interstate 75 in southwest Florida Friday struck two vehicles that were traveling on the highway, the Federal Aviation Administration revealed on Monday.
A person inside one of the vehicles was left seriously injured, while another three other people escaped unharmed, according to a preliminary report from the FAA.
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The identities of the people who were in the cars have not been released.
Meanwhile, five people were onboard the jet, according to the FAA. The two victims who died were pilot Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park and second in command Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, of Pompano Beach, Collier County's Sheriff's Office announced on social media Saturday.
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The people who survived are crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, of Jupiter, as well as passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, both of Columbus, Ohio. Whether they suffered injuries remains unknown.
They're also believed to be the same three people caught on camera running from the wreck -- saying two pilots were still inside the aircraft as it went up in flames.
Murphy's friend and fellow pilot, Hymie Lazega, told NBC6 on Monday that Murphy was an experienced pilot and said he'd accompanied Murphy on multiple flights on the same jet that crashed.
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"We are talking about a very, very experienced guy with experience in this airplane," Lazega said. "We are all in shock, I have flown that plane with him, many many times, and again, it is a tragedy, everybody is devastated so we are a very small community for so many pilots.
Lazega said the Bombardier Challenger is a workhorse that enjoys fine reputation in aviation circles. He said he’s flown it a lot, and is going to fly it in the coming weeks and has no concerns.
"As pilots, we would like to know what happened, again, it is speculation at this point, like I said, the company maintains the aircraft's outstanding," he said.
The jet as well as it's pilot and co-pilot were part of Fort Lauderdale-based company Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Charter.
The final destination of the jet was Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, where Hop-A-Jet's corporate headquarters are located.
In a statement Monday, Hop-A-Jet said they're providing support for people impacted by the crash.
"We are mourning the loss of two close friends and colleagues whose actions spared the lives of their passengers and many other potential casualties on the ground. Thanks to their efforts, our Cabin Attendant was able to assist both passengers off the airplane to safety. Her efforts were incredibly brave and selfless," the statement read. "We are working tirelessly to support the families of our crew and passengers. At the same time, we are participating closely with the NTSB investigation, the FAA, and the aircraft manufacturer. As with any aviation investigation, the NTSB is the only official communicator of accident-related information."
