BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A private aircraft, specifically a Bombardier Challenger 600, crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday night at Bangor International Airport in Maine. The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m., and initial reports did not provide any information regarding the conditions of the eight individuals onboard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation into the crash.
The crash took place amid a significant winter storm that affected New England and large parts of the United States. Bangor was experiencing continuous snowfall on that day, consistent with the weather patterns impacting many regions across the country. In response to the incident, Bangor International Airport released a statement indicating that emergency crews were activated at the scene. The airport subsequently closed operations following what was described as an incident involving a single aircraft that was departing.
Bangor International Airport, located approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Boston, offers direct flights to various destinations, including Orlando, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, North Carolina. In the broader context, the winter storm caused widespread disruptions across the eastern half of the United States, halting numerous air and road traffic operations. Additionally, it resulted in power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of households and businesses, particularly in the Southeast region.
Throughout the weekend, the storm delivered a combination of sleet, freezing rain, and snow, contributing to significant logistical challenges. Reports indicate that air traffic was considerably affected, with around 12,000 flights canceled on Sunday and nearly 20,000 flights delayed, as tracked by flightaware.com. Major airports in cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey were among those severely impacted by the weather disruptions.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, the aircraft involved in the crash, is notable for being a wide-bodied business jet that can accommodate between 9 to 11 passengers. Launched in 1980, it was the first private jet with a 'walk-about cabin,' and it remains a sought-after option in the charter aircraft market, according to aircharterservice.com.
