A private jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine late Sunday,prompting an investigation by federal authorities. The Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft, reportedly attempting to depart during a meaningful East Coast snowstorm, overturned and caught fire, according to initial reports from the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident involved an estimated eight people – three crew and five passengers – and has temporarily halted all air traffic at the airport, a major refueling stop for transatlantic flights.
A private jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident, occurring amidst a major winter storm impacting much of the United States, raises concerns about air travel safety during severe weather conditions.
The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 600, requested clearance to depart around 7:45 p.m. local time. Audio recordings from LiveATC.net reveal communications between air traffic controllers and pilots discussing poor visibility and the need for de-icing procedures. The specific pilots and aircraft involved in that initial conversation remain unclear.
Less than two minutes later, an urgent message broke over the same frequency: “All traffic on the field is stopped. All traffic on the field is stopped!” Shortly after, another controller reported, “Aircraft overturned. We have an aircraft overturned.”
The plane quickly became engulfed in flames. Authorities stated there were “three crew members and possibly five passengers” on board.
The crash occurred as a significant snowstorm was impacting a large portion of the country. While snow was falling at the airport at the time of the incident, officials have not yet attributed the weather as a cause, CNN reports.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a commonly used aircraft for both private and charter flights, typically configured to carry between nine and eleven passengers. Bangor International Airport provides direct air service to major destinations, including Orlando, Florida; Washington, D.C.; and Charlotte, North Carolina. The airport is located approximately 200 miles north of Boston.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash in a statement, adding that an investigation is underway to determine the cause. The incident is likely to prompt a review of safety protocols for flights operating in challenging winter conditions.
