Bombardier Inc., the world’s third- largest commercial-plane maker, said the passenger door on a Challenger 601-1A business jet fell off after takeoff at a Colorado airport.
The plane landed safely and no one was injured in the incident Monday at Grand Junction Regional Airport, Bombardier spokesman Leo Knaapen said today. The 601-1A is “an extremely reliable and rugged aircraft,” Knaapen said.
Bombardier, based in Montreal, delivered the last of its 67 601-1A jets in May 1987, meaning the aircraft was at least 20 years old, Knaapen said. He declined to speculate on what may have caused the accident.
This was an “isolated incident and we stand ready to support” the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration with its investigation, Knaapen said. U.S. regulators were expected at the airport today, according to the Associated Press, which reported the incident earlier. The plane’s registered owner is WFP Investments, the AP reported.
