A private aircraft crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, carrying eight people. The incident occurred around 7:45 PM just as a winter storm swept through the region. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the Bombardier Challenger 600 lost control shortly after takeoff and flipped over, catching fire.
Initial findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggest that the plane crashed during takeoff and experienced a fire afterward. Investigators are currently on their way to the scene and will provide updates soon.
Air traffic control recordings captured some alarming moments. Just 45 seconds after giving the aircraft clearance for takeoff, a controller remarked, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down,” indicating the chaos that unfolded.
Emergency teams responded promptly, and Bangor International Airport was closed temporarily due to the accident. The airport serves various destinations, including Orlando, Washington DC, and Charlotte, and is situated about 200 miles north of Boston.
The winter storm that hit the area affected much of the eastern U.S., bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. This led to significant disruptions in air and ground travel. Over the weekend, around 12,000 flights were canceled, and nearly 20,000 were delayed, according to FlightAware. Major airports across Philadelphia, Washington, and New York saw significant impacts.
Sadly, at least 14 fatalities were reported across several states as a result of the severe weather conditions, including Texas and Louisiana.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, the aircraft involved in the crash, has been a popular choice since its launch in 1980. It was the first private jet with a “walk-about cabin” and can typically accommodate nine to eleven passengers. As air travel continues to adapt, safety remains a top priority, especially during challenging weather conditions like these.
For ongoing details about airline safety and winter storm impacts, you can check trusted sources like the NTSB and FlightAware.
