Challenger 600 Crash at Bangor: Was Icing the Cause of Fatal Takeoff?

A private Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine, resulting in six fatalities. The accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday night as a major winter storm began to move into the region. The aircraft flipped over and caught fire shortly after beginning its departure roll.

The airport confirmed that six people were on board the flight manifest, and all perished in the crash. This corrected an earlier, preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that had cited seven fatalities and one survivor. The airport was closed following the incident as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a full investigation.

The Icing Risk on Challenger 600

The investigation is expected to focus heavily on the operating environment. Aviation safety experts quickly noted the Bombardier Challenger 600 model's documented history of susceptibility to wing icing during takeoff.

Former federal crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti stated the model "has a history of problems with icing on takeoff" that caused previous fatal crashes. Even a minimal amount of ice or frost on the wings can severely compromise lift and control, leading to an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.

• The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) cited frost contamination as the cause of a 2002 Challenger 604 crash at Birmingham Airport.
• The NTSB attributed a 2004 Challenger 600 crash in Montrose, Colorado, to unremoved ice and snow on the wings.

These past incidents highlight the critical importance of deicing procedures for this aircraft type.

Operating Environment and Timeline

The crash occurred amid diminishing visibility and the start of snowfall in Bangor. Air traffic control audio reveals the challenging conditions on the ground.

Approximately 30 minutes before the accident, a pilot for Allegiant Air aborted their takeoff. The pilot radioed the tower, stating their de-ice fluid had failed and visibility was too low to proceed safely.

Around the same time, the Challenger 600 pilot requested and taxied to the deicing pad. The aircraft remained there for about 20 minutes before proceeding to the runway for takeoff. Investigators will work to determine the effectiveness of the aircraft wing contamination treatment given the rapidly changing weather.

NTSB and FAA Investigation Focus

The NTSB is leading the NTSB investigation Maine, with a team of investigators arriving on the scene to document the wreckage. Their preliminary information indicates the plane crashed upon departure and experienced a post-crash fire.

The agency's process involves examining three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. This includes gathering:

• Flight track data and air traffic control recordings.
• Aircraft maintenance and deicing records.
• Weather forecasts and actual conditions at the time of the crash.

The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation. A final cause for the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash has not yet been determined. The tragic event underscores the severe safety risks posed by winter storm flight operations and the non-negotiable requirement for clean-wing policies in cold weather.

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