A private jet crashed during takeoff in a snowstorm at Bangor International Airport Sunday evening, killing seven people and leaving one crew member with serious injuries, officials confirmed.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet went down around 7:45 p.m. as it attempted to depart in wintry conditions, confirmed by authorities. The aircraft came to rest upside down and subsequently caught fire, triggering an immediate emergency response at the Maine airport.
First responders arrived at the crash scene within just one minute, according to Bangor International Airport director Jose Saavedra. “We are awaiting for guidance and support from our federal partners before we can make any additional statements to not interfere with their investigations. As the are the leaders of what the next steps look like,” Saavedra stated.
What caused the deadly crash? Investigators haven’t yet determined the exact circumstances, but the aircraft was taking off during a snowstorm, potentially creating hazardous conditions. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Airport Operations Halted
The airport has been temporarily closed as officials await the arrival of federal investigators. This closure will likely impact scheduled flights until authorities complete their initial assessment of the crash site.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 involved in the accident is a wide-bodied business jet typically configured to carry nine to eleven passengers. First launched in 1980, the aircraft features a walk-about cabin design and has become a popular choice for charter operations due to its spacious interior and range capabilities, aviation experts note.
Sunday’s crash marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Maine in recent years. The lone survivor, a crew member who sustained serious injuries, has not been publicly identified as authorities work to notify the families of those involved.
The investigation will likely focus on several factors, including weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot decision-making during the attempted takeoff. Winter operations at airports present unique challenges for pilots, with snow and ice potentially affecting runway conditions and aircraft performance.
As darkness fell over the crash site Sunday evening, emergency personnel continued working in difficult conditions. The coming days will bring more clarity about what went wrong in those critical moments when the jet attempted to lift off into the stormy Maine sky.
