PORTLAND, Maine — A tragic incident unfolded Sunday evening when a Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed at Bangor International Airport. This plane was trying to take off during a snowstorm, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board.
The crash occurred around 7:45 p.m., just as a major winter storm was moving into the area. Six people were confirmed aboard the flight, and sadly, all of them lost their lives. Initial reports from the FAA indicated seven fatalities, but those figures were later updated. The airport confirmed no survivors or injuries among others at the scene.
At the time of the crash, Bangor had just begun experiencing snowfall. While heavy snow fell elsewhere in the region, other flights were still taking off normally around that time.
Jeff Guzzetti, an aviation safety consultant, noted that the Challenger 600 model has a concerning history with ice on the wings during takeoff. Even a thin layer of ice can lead to serious issues. It’s critical for planes in icy conditions to undergo a deicing process. However, it’s unclear if this plane received proper treatment before takeoff.
The identities of the victims won’t be released until authorities complete their verification process. The aircraft is registered to a corporation associated with a Texas personal injury law firm, raising questions about the crew’s background.
Investigators from the NTSB and FAA are now examining the wreckage. The airport will remain closed for several days as they work to determine the crash’s cause. Preliminary findings suggest the plane flipped and caught fire shortly after takeoff. An audio recording from air traffic control captured an alarming report of the aircraft upside down just moments after its departure.
Interestingly, the weather conditions were manageable. The National Weather Service reported light, steady snow with wind speeds that were not unusual. Other flights had successfully landed and taken off around the same time.
The Challenger 600 model, popular since its release in 1980, accommodates nine to eleven passengers and is known for its spacious design. Despite its long-term popularity, safety concerns related to ice have been highlighted repeatedly. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, new safety protocols have been recommended in recent years to address these issues, leading to fewer ice-related crashes.
Moving forward, experts like Guzzetti emphasize the need for thorough investigations. He pointed out that if any ice had formed on the wings, officials would need to review whether adequate deicing efforts were made before takeoff. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing importance of aviation safety.
For further reading on aviation safety procedures, you can check reliable sources like the NTSB and FAA.
Source link
General news, Maine, Aviation safety, Plane crashes, Bangor, Weather, Federal Aviation Administration, ME State Wire, Send to Apple News, Texas, TX State Wire, Transportation, Storms, U.S. news, Winter weather, National Transportation Safety Board, Jeff Guzzetti, Jose Saavedra, Accidents, Aerospace and defense industry, Associated Press
