BANGOR, Maine – A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet carrying eight individuals flipped over and caught fire during an attempted takeoff from Bangor International Airport as it faced heavy snowstorm conditions on Sunday evening.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating the incident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time. Preliminary reports indicate that the plane crashed shortly after takeoff and subsequently experienced a post-crash fire. Further updates are expected once the investigation team arrives at the site.
Listen to air traffic control recordings revealed that approximately 45 seconds after the aircraft received clearance for takeoff, an air traffic controller announced, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.” Fortunately, there has been no immediate word on the condition of the passengers at this time.
Bangor International Airport, which caters to flights to major cities including Orlando, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, North Carolina, has remained closed following the crash as officials prioritize the investigation.
The incident comes amid a significant winter storm that has gripped the region, causing extensive snowfall in Bangor and across New England. Meteorological reports indicate that the storm was characterized by sleet, freezing rain, and substantial snow accumulations. As a consequence, widespread travel disruptions were recorded across the eastern half of the United States with cancellations and delays affecting roughly 12,000 flights as of Sunday.
Originally launched in 1980, the Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet is notable for its spacious cabin and has remained a favored option among charter services.
