Bombardier Challenger 600 Crashes During Takeoff at Bangor International Airport

A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport (KBGR) in Maine. The accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time on a Sunday night. The crash happened as a massive winter storm began impacting the area.

Local authorities reported that six people were aboard the twin-engine jet. All six people on the flight manifest are presumed to be deceased. This updated count came from the airport and local police. It contradicted an earlier report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The initial FAA notice had stated eight people were aboard, with seven fatalities.

Accident Details and Initial Findings

The twin-engine jet takeoff attempt ended quickly after the aircraft veered right. The plane reportedly departed from the 11,440-foot Runway 33. Air traffic control audio included a report of an "Aircraft upside down." The jet came to rest inverted and caught fire following the impact. The crash occurred in freezing, low-visibility conditions due to the snowstorm.

Flight crew had requested and received deicing treatment just minutes before the attempted departure. The Bombardier Challenger 600 crash prompted the airport to close. This led to the cancellation of other flights.

Regulatory Response and Safety Focus

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation. NTSB investigators are on site to document the wreckage. They will then move the aircraft to a secure facility for further evaluation. A preliminary accident report is typically released within 30 days.

Investigators will focus heavily on aircraft deicing procedures. They will also examine the effects of the heavy snowfall. Aviation safety consultants noted the Challenger 600 model has a history of problems. These issues relate to ice buildup on the wings during takeoff. Even a small amount of ice can seriously disrupt airflow. This highlights the critical importance of proper winter storm operations and pre-flight checks.

Corporate Jet Safety Impact

This tragic Maine aviation accident brings renewed focus to corporate jet safety. The aircraft was a large-cabin jet registered to a Houston-based LLC. The incident marks a severe loss in the business aviation sector. Stakeholders, including the manufacturer Bombardier, will closely monitor the NTSB's findings. The final report will likely lead to updated safety recommendations. These recommendations could affect takeoff runway excursion prevention and cold weather protocols globally.

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