Six people died when a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening, as a severe snowstorm reduced visibility. The airport, located about 200 miles north of Boston, was shut down following the incident at approximately 7:45 PM local time.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash, with early focus on weather conditions and potential ice accumulation on the wings. The aircraft, registered to a Houston-based corporation linked to the law firm Arnold & Itkin Trial Lawyers, experienced a post-crash fire. Preliminary reports indicated seven deaths and one survivor, but the airport later confirmed six fatalities based on the flight manifest.
Audio from air traffic controllers captured a transmission stating “Aircraft upside down” about 45 seconds after takeoff clearance. First responders arrived within a minute, according to airport director Jose Saavedra. The airport, which serves destinations including Orlando, Washington DC, and Charlotte, is expected to remain closed until at least noon on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service reported nearly 10 inches of snow at the airport, with light but steady snowfall at the time of the crash. The storm, which affected the eastern US, caused widespread travel disruptions and power outages, with at least 15 weather-related deaths reported across multiple states.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, a wide-bodied business jet introduced in 1980, has a history of icing-related issues on takeoff, according to aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti. Previous fatal crashes involving the model occurred in Birmingham, England, and Montrose, Colorado, over 20 years ago. De-icing procedures are critical but often remain effective for only about 20 minutes.
