A Bombardier Challenger 600 private aircraft crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, aviation authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 19:45 local time (00:45 GMT Monday) amid deteriorating weather conditions caused by a severe winter storm affecting the northeastern United States.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that all eight individuals aboard the aircraft faced immediate danger during the accident. While official identifications remain pending, emergency response teams quickly mobilized to the scene where images revealed the aircraft inverted with visible flames and smoke emanating from the runway.
Aviation officials indicated that poor visibility likely contributed to the accident. Air traffic control communications, subsequently published by LiveATC.net and reported by CBS News, captured discussions between controllers and pilots regarding challenging visual conditions minutes before the crash. One controller was later heard describing ‘a passenger aircraft upside down’ in radio transmissions.
The accident occurred amidst widespread travel disruption across the eastern United States. FlightAware data indicated more than 11,000 cancellations and nearly 5,500 delays on Sunday alone, affecting major airports from Philadelphia to Washington DC, Baltimore, and throughout the New York/New Jersey region.
Maine’s National Weather Service office predicted substantial snowfall accumulation of 10-16 inches (25-40cm) in the Bangor region through Tuesday morning, prompting extended winter storm warnings. Airport authorities confirmed temporary closure of the facility following the incident and advised public avoidance of the area while emergency operations continued.