The standard engine recommended was the 2,200 lb (998 kg) thrust Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D turbofan, although when under development by Excel Jet a Williams FJ33 4A was used.
[9][10] On 22 June 2006 at 0953 hours local time, the Sport Jet prototype was destroyed in a crash just after take-off at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS).
According to reports, the plane lifted approximately fifteen feet into the air before rotating left to 90° of bank, at which point the left wing contacted the ground, causing the plane to cartwheel off the runway before coming to rest 454 feet from the initial point of impact.
[5] Excel-Jet filed a lawsuit against the FAA stating that the crash was a direct result of the wake turbulence from the DHC-8, and that the NTSB findings were incorrect.
[11] At the conclusion of the case, US District Judge Kathryn H. Vratil found that "in electing not to apply the three-minute separation interval, [the air traffic controller] did not breach her duty of care or violate FAA orders.