Private Jet Crashes on Takeoff in Maine Amid Winter Storm, 7 Dead
Private Jet Crashes on Takeoff in Maine Amid Winter Storm, 7 Dead
A Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crashes during takeoff at Bangor as a massive winter storm hits New England, killing seven and seriously injuring one.
Late Sunday evening, a Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet carrying eight people crashed on takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine as a powerful winter storm lashed New England. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m., and the airport was shut down as responders quickly moved to the scene amid heavy snowfall.
Seven people were killed in the crash, and one crew member survived with serious injuries. Investigators say the jet was registered to a Houston-based corporation sharing an address with Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers, a personal injury firm; authorities stressed that they would release more details as the investigation proceeds.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said preliminary information indicates the plane crashed during departure and was followed by a post-crash fire. An air-traffic-control recording reportedly captured an official noting the aircraft was upside down shortly after clearance to take off, though officials cautioned that no statements would be released until investigators arrived.
Bangor's airport director declined to comment further, saying he was awaiting guidance from federal partners as responders worked at the scene. Bangor International Airport is located about 320 kilometers north of Boston and serves direct flights to several major cities; it remained closed until at least noon Wednesday while crews cleared the site and investigators gathered evidence.
The crash comes as a broader winter storm sweeps across the United States, contributing to heavy snowfall, challenging travel, and mounting flight cancellations at airports nationwide. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges winter weather poses to aviation safety and operations.
