Hawker Beechcraft Beechjet 400A, Sarasota, Fla., July 12, 2004–According to the NTSB, the double engine flameout of the Flight Options Beechjet was caused by high-altitude ice crystals that accreted on the compressor vanes and were ingested into the high-pressure compressor when the power levers were retarded, causing compressor surges and flameouts. Contributing factors were the lack of training on the hazards of high-altitude ice crystals to gas turbine engines and lack of guidance to the pilots to activate the engine anti-ice system in conditions where high-altitude ice crystals might exist.
The Beechjet was en route to Fort Myers, Fla., descending through FL390, in IMC with convective weather, when all power was lost. The crew restarted one engine and diverted to Sarasota, landing safely.