Bombardier Challenger 600 Crashes at Bangor Airport; FAA and NTSB Begin Probe

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Jan 26, 2026 at 06:45 AM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Bombardier Challenger 600 Crashes at Bangor Airport; FAA and NTSB Begin Probe

The FAA confirmed a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet with eight people crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night.

Key Takeaways

  • A Bombardier Challenger 600/650 business jet crashed during take-off from Bangor International Airport (BGR) on Sunday night.
  • Eight people were onboard the aircraft; the extent of their injuries remains unknown.
  • The NTSB and FAA launched a joint investigation, focusing on factors like low visibility and freezing weather conditions.
  • The airport was temporarily closed following the incident to allow for emergency response.

A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed. The incident occurred during take-off on Sunday night. It happened at Bangor International Airport in Maine. Eight people were reportedly on board the aircraft. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the accident. This Bangor International Airport incident took place around 7:45 p.m. local time.

The NTSB FAA investigation is now underway. Initial reports suggested the aircraft was a Challenger 600 series jet. Other sources later identified it as a Challenger 650 model. The extent of injuries to the eight occupants is currently unknown. The airport was closed immediately following the accident. This is standard procedure for a business jet runway accident.

Operating Conditions and Aircraft

The crash happened amidst severe winter weather. Maine was experiencing below-freezing temperatures. Light snow caused very low visibility at the airport. These freezing weather conditions are a key focus for investigators. The aircraft is a popular type of corporate jet. Federal records show the plane's registration. It belongs to a limited liability corporation. This company is based in Houston, Texas. The flight was operating as a corporate jet operation.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 crash is a serious event. The Challenger 600 series, built by Bombardier, is a successful platform. It is known for its reliability and range. This makes the Maine plane crash highly unusual. The FAA stated the information is preliminary. It is subject to change as the probe continues.

Regulatory Response and Next Steps

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will soon arrive. They will lead the effort to find the cause. Investigators will examine the crash site evidence. They will also review maintenance records and flight data. The focus will be on potential contributing factors. These include weather, mechanical issues, or crew actions. Aviation safety regulations require a comprehensive review.

The NTSB team will look at operational procedures. They will consider the impact of the challenging conditions. The closure of the airport was a necessary safety measure. It allowed for emergency response efforts. The incident highlights the risks of winter operations. The aviation community awaits official findings. These results will inform future aviation safety regulations and training. The incident remains a developing story.

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Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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