Introduction
A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport on Jan. 25, 2026, killing 7 people and seriously injuring another. The incident sparked a large emergency response amid a snowstorm, and investigators are working to determine the cause.
At a Glance
- Crash site: Bangor International Airport, Maine
- Aircraft: Bombardier Challenger 600
- Fatalities: 7 (FAA preliminary report)
- Investigation: FAA and NTSB involved, with NTSB expected to arrive Monday
- Weather: Light snow, visibility ~¾ mile
Crash Details
The jet was scheduled to depart around 7:45 p.m. local time. According to the FAA’s preliminary report posted online an hour after the incident, the aircraft “CAME TO REST INVERTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.” The report also listed 7 fatal injuries and 1 serious injury.
However, an updated statement from Bangor police and the airport released Monday afternoon corrected the numbers. The flight manifest showed 6 people on board, and the statement said all were presumed deceased and none were transported to a hospital. The identities of the victims are pending positive identification.
The discrepancy between the FAA and airport statements highlights the challenges of early reporting during chaotic events. The FAA has not yet confirmed the exact number of occupants.
Investigation Updates
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed on Monday that it has been notified and will be conducting an investigation. In a press release, the NTSB said a team of investigators “is currently assembling and is expected to arrive on scene shortly.” The agency will document the scene, secure the aircraft, and bring it to a secure facility for evaluation.
The NTSB stated that a preliminary report will be available within 30 days. The board also clarified that it has no role in releasing identities or injury details, which are handled by local authorities.
Witnesses with video or other relevant information were asked to contact the NTSB at [email protected].
Airport Operations During Storm
Bangor International Airport remained open during the incident. Airport director Jose Saavedra explained that crews were on site responding to the ongoing snowstorm. He said:
“The airport remained open, there were planes landing and departing around that time and we had crews on site responding to the ongoing storm we had at that time. The snow removal operations were in progress and there were planes landing and departing around the time of the incident.”
Despite the weather, the airport closed until at least noon on Wednesday, 2026, and urged passengers to contact airlines for travel updates.
Aircraft Overview
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-bodied business jet capable of carrying 9-11 passengers. First launched in 1980, it was the first private jet with a “walk-about cabin” and remains a popular charter option.
Timeline of Events
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 25, 2026, 7:45 p.m. | Jet crashed on departure, caught fire |
| Jan. 26, 2026, early morning | FAA posted preliminary report (7 fatalities, 1 serious injury) |
| Jan. 26, 2026, afternoon | Airport and police released corrected statement (6 occupants, all presumed deceased) |
| Jan. 26, 2026, later | NTSB expected to arrive at scene |
Casualty Comparison
| Source | Fatalities | Serious Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Preliminary Report | 7 | 1 |
| Airport/Police Statement | 6 | 0 |
Key Takeaways
- The crash occurred during a light snowstorm with limited visibility.
- Early reports differed on the number of occupants and fatalities.
- The NTSB will lead the investigation, with a preliminary report due within 30 days.
- Airport operations continued, but the facility closed until Wednesday.
- The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, is a widely used business jet.
Contact Information
For witnesses or additional information, contact the NTSB at [email protected].
Sources
- FAA preliminary report
- Bangor International Airport statement
- NTSB press release
- Airport director Jose Saavedra interview
- Associated Press contribution
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