A somber atmosphere descended upon Bangor International Airport in Maine this past Sunday evening, as a private business jet tragically crashed during takeoff. Seven people lost their lives in the devastating incident, with one crew member miraculously surviving, albeit with serious injuries.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying eight individuals, was attempting to depart around 7:45 PM when it went down amidst a severe snowstorm. Federal authorities reported the aircraft overturned and caught fire almost immediately after its takeoff attempt. Chilling audio from air traffic control captures the instant realization of the disaster, with a voice confirming the plane was “upside down” just 45 seconds after it was cleared for takeoff. Emergency services responded with incredible speed, reaching the crash site in under a minute.
In the wake of the tragedy, Bangor Airport was shut down, with both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) immediately launching comprehensive investigations. While early information points to the crash occurring upon departure followed by a fire, full details will emerge as investigators access the site in the coming days.
This heartbreaking event unfolded against the backdrop of a powerful winter storm sweeping across the eastern US, causing widespread travel chaos and thousands of flight cancellations nationwide. Despite the severe conditions, airport officials noted that Bangor regularly operates during harsh winter conditions, and crews are well-versed in responding to such weather events. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and the injured survivor as the aviation community seeks answers from this tragic night.
