Business Jet Crashes During Takeoff at Bangor Airport Amid Winter Storm

A private business jet carrying eight people crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time as the aircraft was departing the runway.

The jet involved was a Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft, registered to a limited liability corporation based in Houston, Texas. FAA records indicate the aircraft entered service in 2020 and had arrived in Bangor earlier that day following a flight from Houston.

Emergency crews responded immediately after reports that the aircraft had gone off the runway during departure. Air traffic control audio captured moments after the crash described the aircraft as upside down, prompting all airfield operations to halt. Controllers later confirmed there were three crew members and five passengers on board.

The crash occurred amid a severe winter storm impacting much of the Northeast. At the time, temperatures in Bangor were near 2 degrees Fahrenheit with light snow, low visibility, and sustained northeast winds. Winter storm warnings were in effect, and deicing operations were discussed over the radio shortly before takeoff clearance was issued.

Authorities reported a significant fire following the crash, though the conditions of those on board had not been released as of Monday morning. Bangor International Airport was closed overnight, with flight cancellations reported.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation, with assistance from Maine State Police.