A private jet carrying eight people has crashed in flames during take-off at a major airport in Maine, USA, amid treacherous winter weather conditions that have been affecting much of the eastern United States.
Dramatic Incident During Winter Storm
The accident involved a Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft and occurred at Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening, around 7:45 p.m. local time. The crash took place as a powerful winter storm swept across the region, bringing poor visibility and challenging conditions for aviation.
Reports of Fire and Inverted Aircraft
Initial reports from a government official described a dramatic scene, with the aircraft engulfed in a substantial fire following the impact. The official also noted that the private jet ended up upside down after crashing on the airfield.
Audio recordings from air traffic control have emerged, capturing discussions about the deteriorating weather conditions in the moments before the accident. Controllers can be heard talking about poor visibility and the necessity for de-icing procedures.
Urgent Response and Airport Closure
Shortly after these discussions, an urgent message was broadcast, halting all traffic on the airfield as emergency services were alerted to the developing situation. Following the crash, Bangor International Airport was immediately shut down to all incoming and outgoing flights.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene to deal with the fire and provide assistance. The full extent of injuries and the condition of those aboard the aircraft remain unclear as investigations continue.
Weather Conditions a Key Factor
The winter storm affecting much of the eastern United States has been identified as a significant factor in the incident. Aviation experts suggest that poor visibility and potential icing conditions could have contributed to the challenges faced by the flight crew during take-off.
This incident highlights the dangers that severe weather can pose to aviation, particularly during critical phases of flight such as take-off and landing. The investigation will likely focus on how weather conditions interacted with other potential factors.
Ongoing Investigation and Impact
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to take the lead in determining the cause of the accident.
The closure of Bangor International Airport has caused disruption to air travel in the region, with flights being diverted or cancelled. The airport serves as an important transportation hub for northern New England.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with aviation during extreme weather events and will undoubtedly prompt renewed discussions about safety protocols during winter operations.
