A private jet crashed during takeoff in Maine amid a snowstorm, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals. The aircraft model involved, a Bombardier Challenger 600, has a history of incidents related to ice accumulation on its wings.
The tragic event occurred at Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening as a severe winter storm approached the region. The airport confirmed that six individuals were on board the flight, all of whom perished. Initially, the Federal Aviation Administration reported seven fatalities and one crew member surviving, but these figures were noted as preliminary and subject to change. None of the occupants were transported to a hospital.
Despite heavy snowfall in various parts of the country, the crash transpired as snow had just begun to accumulate in Bangor, where other planes had been departing safely. The jet was registered to a corporation based in Houston, Texas, sharing an address with the law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers.
According to an audio recording of air traffic controllers, the aircraft flipped over during takeoff. The specific aircraft model has a known history of icing issues during takeoff, potentially leading to crashes as noted by aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti. Proper deicing procedures are crucial for such aircraft to prevent complications. The timeline of deicing operations for this flight remains unclear.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a spacious business jet designed for nine to eleven passengers, introduced in 1980 by Canadair and later acquired by Bombardier. Bangor International Airport, located approximately 320 kilometers north of Boston and 180 kilometers west of the New Brunswick border, offers direct flights to cities like Orlando, Washington, and Charlotte.
The recent winter storm disrupted air travel across the eastern U.S., causing the cancellation of 12,000 flights and nearly 20,000 delays on Sunday. Airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey were among those experiencing significant impacts.