A Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet erupted into a fiery inferno during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, with eight individuals reported aboard. The catastrophic incident occurred at approximately 7:45 PM local time, prompting an immediate emergency response.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash of the twin-engine turbo-fan aircraft, noting that the fate and identities of those on board remained unknown in the immediate aftermath. Preliminary reports from a government official briefed on the matter indicated the crash was followed by a ‘significant fire,’ complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
While light snow had begun falling in the area prior to the accident—with a broader winter storm warning covering most of Maine—authorities provided no initial indication that weather conditions were a contributing factor. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be led by the FAA in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Aviation records indicate the aircraft entered service in April 2020 and was registered to an entity sharing a Houston, Texas address with Arnold Itkin, a prominent personal injury law firm. The jet had reportedly arrived in Maine from Texas earlier, though the purpose of the flight and the occupants’ affiliations were not immediately disclosed. The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in varying weather conditions.