Six people died when a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed on takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening during a severe snowstorm. The accident occurred at approximately 7:45 pm local time, prompting the airport to shut down.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash, with initial 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 from the Federal Aviation Administration had indicated seven deaths and one survivor, but later confirmed that all six people aboard perished. An audio recording captured an air traffic controller stating, 'Aircraft upside down,' about 45 seconds after takeoff clearance.
The National Weather Service reported nearly 10 inches of snow at the airport, with light snowfall at the time of the crash. The storm disrupted air and road travel across the eastern US, with at least 15 weather-related deaths reported in multiple states.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti noted that the Challenger 600 model has a history of icing-related issues, citing previous crashes in England and Colorado. De-icing procedures are critical, as even minor ice can affect performance.
Bangor International Airport, which serves northern and eastern Maine, remained closed until at least noon on Wednesday. The airport director confirmed that first responders arrived within a minute of the crash.
