A private jet crashed during takeoff in Maine amid a snowstorm, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least six individuals. The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, overturned and caught fire at Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday as a winter storm swept through the region.
Official reports from the airport indicated that six people were on board the flight, all of whom perished in the accident. Initial information from the Federal Aviation Administration suggested seven fatalities, with one crew member surviving; however, these figures were preliminary and subject to revision. None of the occupants were transported to a hospital following the crash.
Despite heavy snowfall in various parts of the country, only light accumulation had begun in Bangor at the time of the incident, with other flights departing safely. The aircraft was linked to a corporation sharing an address with the law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers in Houston, Texas.
An audio recording of air traffic controllers captured the distressing moment when the plane was reported upside down shortly after receiving clearance for takeoff. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, according to Bangor airport director Jose Saavedra.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti noted that the Bombardier Challenger 600 model has a history of icing issues during takeoff, which have led to previous crashes. Even a small amount of ice on the wings can pose significant risks, necessitating thorough de-icing procedures before departure.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, designed for nine to eleven passengers, was introduced in 1980 as the first private jet featuring a spacious cabin layout. Bangor International Airport operates flights to destinations like Orlando, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, with the facility situated approximately 320 kilometers north of Boston and 180 kilometers west of the New Brunswick border.
Over the weekend, a severe winter storm caused widespread disruptions to air travel across the eastern United States, resulting in the cancellation of around 12,000 flights and nearly 20,000 delays, as reported by flight tracker flightaware.com. Airports in cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey experienced notable impacts from the adverse weather conditions.