The Organization Celebrates Her Life-Saving Efforts

Sydney Bosmans, a 27-year-old flight attendant for Hop-A-Jet charter company, was able to help save the lives of 2 passengers involved in a fatal plane crash. Her heroic achievements are to be honored by the National Business Aviation Association during their 2024 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

The accident occurred on February 9, 2024, in a Bombardier Challenger 604. It was en route from Columbus, OH to Naples, FL when pilots reported a dual-engine flameout on short final. The aircraft was unable to make the runway, and went down on Interstate 75. Two lives were claimed on impact, including the captain, 50-year-old Edward Daniel Murphy of Oakland Park, and the first officer, 65-year-old Ian Hofmann of Pompano Beach.

The flight attendant on board, Sydney Bosmans, immediately took action to save the two passengers, 35-year-old Aaron Baker and 23-year-old Audra Green. Since the main cabin door and over-wing exit were both inaccessible, Bosmans directed them to the baggage door located in the rear of the cabin. She was able to get both passengers out of and away from the aircraft moments before a secondary explosion occurred.

“Faced with a harrowing, life-threatening crisis, Sydney Bosmans maintained calm and clear thinking and drew upon her professional training to quickly identify a means of escape that saved three lives,” highlighted NBAA President and CEO, Ed Bolen. “Safety is at the forefront of our industry, and Sydney’s actions demonstrate how safety is also the paramount duty for all cabin personnel.”

Bosmans will be presented with the NBAA Above and Beyond Award for Heroic Achievement. This recognition was created by the NBAA safety committee in 2020. Its purpose is to award individuals who, like Bosmans, used their training and professionalism to avoid injury, loss of life, or catastrophic business aircraft damage. Three have received this award since its inception.

This year’s award ceremony will be taking place from October 22nd to 24th at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport. It is one of the most significant annual business aviation events.

FMI: www.nbaa.org