What happened
On October 10, 2000, a Canadair Challenger CL600-2B16 (registration C-FTBZ) was performing an experimental test flight out of Wichita Mid-Continent Airport in Kansas. The aircraft, operated by Bombardier Incorporated, departed from runway 19R at approximately 14:52 central daylight time. During the initial climb phase of the flight, the aircraft struck the ground and subsequently caught fire.
There were three people on board during the accident. The pilot and the flight test engineer both perished in the impact. A third crew member, the copilot, sustained serious injuries during the crash and passed away 36 days after the event.
Findings
Investigations into the accident focused on the aircraft's impact with the terrain during the early stages of its ascent. The destruction of the Canadair Challenger CL600-2B16 was caused by the impact with terrain and the resulting post-impact fire.