A private jet crashed during takeoff in a snowstorm at Bangor International Airport, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least six individuals. The aircraft involved, a Bombardier Challenger 600, has a known history of ice-related wing issues leading to crashes. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time as a winter storm approached the region.
Initial reports from the airport indicated six people were on board the flight and all perished in the crash. However, earlier data from the Federal Aviation Administration suggested seven fatalities with one crew member surviving, though these numbers were subject to change. No individuals were transported to a hospital following the accident.
Despite the heavy snowfall in various parts of the country, Bangor had just begun to experience accumulation, with other planes successfully taking off from the airport. The jet was linked to a corporation based in Houston, Texas, which shares an address with the Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers law firm.
An audio recording from air traffic controllers captured the moment when the aircraft flipped over during takeoff, with responders swiftly arriving at the scene. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti highlighted the Challenger 600’s susceptibility to icing issues, emphasizing the importance of deicing procedures before departure.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, designed for nine to eleven passengers, was introduced in 1980 by Canadair, later acquired by Bombardier. Bangor International Airport, located approximately 320 kilometers north of Boston, offers flights to cities like Orlando, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, among others.
The weekend’s severe winter storm disrupted air travel across the eastern U.S., leading to the cancellation of 12,000 flights and nearly 20,000 delays, affecting major airports in cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, New York, and others.