Private Jet Crashes During Takeoff in Maine Snowstorm
A private jet carrying eight people crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, as a significant winter storm swept across the U.S. East Coast. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft went down around 7:45 p.m. local time, with emergency crews responding immediately to the scene.
Details of the Crash and Aircraft
The aircraft, which was reportedly registered to a Houston-based law firm, had flown into Maine from Texas earlier. According to Houston news outlet Khou 11, the plane was registered to Arnold & Itkin, a personal injury law firm based in Houston. Reuters further reported that the registered owner is a company sharing the same Houston address as the law firm.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-bodied business jet capable of carrying 9 to 11 passengers. First launched in 1980, it was notable as the first private jet featuring a walk-about cabin design. FAA records indicate this particular aircraft entered service in April 2020.
Emergency Response and Investigation
First responders from multiple jurisdictions converged on the crash site, including fire and rescue crews from the 101st Maine Air National Guard and numerous local fire departments from surrounding communities. The FAA has established an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response.
Video from the scene showed smoke rising from the upside-down aircraft, though Khou 11 reported there was full visibility of the runway at the time of the incident. The airport remained closed on Monday morning with numerous flight cancellations and diversions affecting travel in the region.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have launched a joint investigation into the crash. There was no immediate word on the condition of the eight occupants as of Monday morning, with officials indicating first responders would be actively working the site for several more hours before additional information becomes available.
Weather Conditions and Impact
The crash occurred as Maine, along with much of the eastern United States, was experiencing a significant snowstorm. While visibility at the runway was reportedly clear, the broader weather conditions may have contributed to the challenging circumstances surrounding the takeoff attempt.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with winter aviation operations, particularly for private aircraft operating in challenging weather conditions. The investigation will likely examine multiple factors including weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, pilot decisions, and operational procedures.
