At a Glance
- A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed at Bangor International Airport on Jan. 25, killing seven passengers.
- The aircraft was found upside-down and on fire, with one crew member seriously injured.
- Heavy snow from Winter Storm Fern blocked investigators’ immediate access to the site.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the dangers of operating private aircraft in severe winter weather and the challenges faced by emergency responders.
A private jet crashed into Bangor International Airport in Maine on the evening of Jan. 25, killing seven passengers and seriously injuring a flight-crew member. The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was found upside-down and on fire after a short flight from Texas. The crash occurred amid Winter Storm Fern, which left the airport in heavy snow and limited visibility.
Crash Details
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a news statement on Monday, Jan. 26, noting that the plane was departing the airport when the accident happened. Air traffic controllers heard a radio transmission describing the aircraft as “upside down.” First responders reached the scene within a minute of that call, according to airport director Jose Saavedra.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aircraft model | Bombardier Challenger 600 |
| Flight origin | Texas |
| Time of crash | ~7:45 p.m. local time |
| Date | Jan. 25 |
| Location | Bangor International Airport (BGR) |
| Casualties | 7 passengers killed, 1 crew member seriously injured |
| Weather | Winter Storm Fern, heavy snow, poor visibility |
The FAA confirmed the casualty figures and added that the plane was upside-down when it stopped and subsequently caught fire. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Investigation Status
Federal investigators faced difficulty accessing the site due to the storm. The Bangor Daily News reported that the NTSB could not reach the crash location because of heavy snow and poor conditions. However, the NTSB said a team is assembling and is expected to arrive shortly.
> “A team of NTSB investigators is currently assembling and is expected to arrive on scene shortly,” the agency stated in its release.
Once on site, investigators will document the scene and examine the aircraft. Afterward, the plane will be transported “to a secure facility for further evaluation,” the NTSB said.
Aircraft Ownership and Registration
The plane had arrived from Texas and is registered to a company with a Houston address that also shares its location with the personal-injury law firm Arnold & Itkin, Reuters reported. The FAA has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 25 | ~7:45 p.m. | Crash occurs at BGR |
| Jan. 25 | Shortly after | Air traffic controllers report upside-down aircraft |
| Jan. 25 | Minutes later | First responders arrive |
| Jan. 26 | Morning | NTSB releases statement on BGR website |
| Jan. 26 | Afternoon | NTSB announces investigators will arrive soon |
Key Takeaways
- The crash highlights the risks of private aviation in severe winter weather.
- Immediate emergency response was possible, but investigative access was delayed by the storm.
- The FAA and NTSB are coordinating to determine the cause and will conduct a thorough examination of the aircraft.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of weather monitoring and safety protocols for all aviation operations.
