The federal investigation into a devastating private jet crash that claimed six lives at Bangor International Airport is facing significant delays due to extreme winter weather conditions, according to the airport's director. Deep snow has blanketed the crash site, obscuring the burned wreckage and complicating the efforts of authorities.
Severe Weather Obstructs Critical Crash Site Analysis
Jose Saavedra, the director of Bangor International Airport, stated on Wednesday that the ongoing probe by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been severely hampered by the harsh winter environment. The scene remains covered in substantial snowfall, which has accumulated to approximately 9.5 inches since the incident occurred on Sunday night.
This weather-related obstruction is preventing a thorough examination of the crash site, a crucial step in determining the cause of the tragedy. The airport will remain closed until at least 9 a.m. on Thursday as a result of these conditions and the ongoing investigation.
Recovery Efforts and Victim Identification Underway
Despite the challenges, authorities have made some progress. The NTSB and FAA, working alongside state and local officials, have successfully recovered the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder for detailed analysis. These devices are expected to provide vital insights into the final moments before the crash.
The state medical examiner's office was also present at the scene to remove the victims' bodies and begin the formal identification process. This sombre task is part of the broader response to the catastrophe.
Details of the Fatal Flight and Deicing Procedures
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 600 luxury jet, bound for Paris, which had stopped at Bangor for refuelling. At the time of its arrival, conditions included light snow, mild winds, and temperatures near zero as a major storm began to approach the area.
Saavedra confirmed that the jet underwent a standard deicing process before attempting to take off. However, the airport has not yet provided specific details regarding the exact timing of this treatment or the duration of its effectiveness. In aviation, if the calculated holdover time for deicing expires, pilots are typically required to return for another application to ensure safety.
Notably, another aircraft had aborted its takeoff just prior to the crash, with the pilot radioing the control tower to report poor visibility and a need for additional deicing. This highlights the deteriorating weather conditions at the airport that evening.
Victims Include Event Planner and Corporate Pilot
Among the six individuals who lost their lives were Shawna Collins, a 53-year-old longtime employee of Houston's Lakewood Church, which is operated by Joel Osteen Ministries. Collins also worked for a luxury travel business led by attorney Tara Arnold. The plane has connections to the Texas law firm co-founded by Tara Arnold's husband, Kurt Arnold.
The family of 47-year-old pilot Jacob Hosmer has confirmed his death in the crash, though they have declined to comment further at this time. The other victims have not yet been publicly identified as the investigation continues.
As the probe moves forward, the combination of severe winter weather and the complexity of the crash site means that answers may be slow to emerge. The aviation community and the families of the victims await further developments from the authorities involved.
