Bangor International Airport in Maine was the site of a dramatic incident Sunday evening when a private jet caught fire after crashing during takeoff.The Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying eight passengers and crew, impacted the runway around 7:45 p.m. local time amid a winter storm warning; federal authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft had recently arrived from texas, and the FAA is collaborating with the NTSB to determine what led to the accident and subsequent fire.
Bangor, Maine – A private jet crashed and caught fire while attempting to take off from Bangor International Airport on Sunday, January 25, 2026, carrying eight people. The incident has prompted an immediate investigation by federal authorities.
The aircraft was identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Bombardier Challenger 600, a twin-engine turbofan jet. According to the FAA, the crash occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time as the plane was beginning its takeoff roll.
The FAA stated it will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
While details surrounding the crash remain limited, a government official familiar with the situation told Reuters that a significant fire erupted after the aircraft impacted the runway.
Light snow was reported in the area around the airport prior to the incident. However, authorities have not yet indicated whether weather conditions played a role in the crash.
A winter storm warning was in effect for much of Maine, including Bangor, the state’s third-largest city, at the time of the accident.
The official said the plane had recently arrived in Maine from Texas before the crash.
Aircraft registration data shows the company listed as the owner shares an address in Houston with Arnold & Itkin, a personal injury law firm. No statement has been released by the company regarding the incident.
FAA records indicate the Bombardier Challenger 600 first went into service in April 2020, making it a relatively new addition to the civilian aircraft fleet.
The FAA confirmed the investigation will be conducted in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
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Aviation accidents involving private jets often draw international scrutiny due to safety concerns and the high-profile nature of potential passengers. The crash in Bangor is no exception, as investigators work to determine the factors that led to the incident.
The FAA is leading the investigation, working alongside the NTSB to piece together the events leading up to the crash of the Bombardier Challenger 600 on January 25, 2026. According to initial reports, the aircraft impacted the runway at Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. local time, resulting in a substantial fire.
Eight individuals were on board the jet, which had recently flown from Texas. A government official, speaking to Reuters, confirmed the severity of the post-impact fire. While light snow was falling at the time, authorities have not yet linked the weather to the crash. A winter storm warning was in place for the region, including Bangor, Maine’s third-largest city.
The registered owner of the aircraft shares a Houston address with the law firm Arnold & Itkin, specializing in personal injury litigation, though the company has yet to issue a statement. The jet itself is relatively new, entering service in April 2020. The FAA has pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
