What happened
On November 17, 2024, at approximately 0945 mountain standard time, a Bombardier Inc. CL-600-2B16 (Challenger 650), registration N247QS, was involved in an accident near Jackson, Wyoming. The aircraft was operating as a Part 91K business flight.
Prior to departure, the crew identified a load miscalculation that required the removal of approximately 500 lbs of excess fuel to remain under the maximum safe departure weight. To avoid delaying passengers, the captain decided to burn the excess fuel while taxiing by applying power while holding the brakes. The captain reported applying approximately 65% power during taxi and increasing to 70% power while approaching runway 19. While holding short of the runway, the captain initially applied the parking brake but released it after receiving a takeoff configuration warning. The crew continued to hold the brakes while applying power for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
After receiving takeoff clearance, the captain taxied onto runway 19 and transferred control to the first officer. The first officer held the brakes for a static takeoff, then released them and applied takeoff power. As the aircraft accelerated to a speed of 25 to 30 knots, the crew heard a rumble on the left side of the aircraft. The captain initiated a takeoff abort, and the first officer executed the abort procedure while the captain notified the air traffic control tower (ATCT). The ATCT controller notified the crew that the left wheel appeared to be on fire. The aircraft stopped on an adjacent taxiway, and all 11 occupants (2 pilots and 9 passengers) evacuated the aircraft. There were no injuries.
Damage
Post-accident photographs of the aircraft revealed substantial damage to the lower wing skin and the auxiliary spar.