Challenger 600 Crashes on Takeoff at Bangor, Sparking NTSB Winter Weather Probe
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
A Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in a winter storm, resulting in six presumed fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- •Six people are presumed dead after a Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport (BGR).
- •The accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday night amid snowy weather and low visibility conditions.
- •The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are investigating, with a focus on weather and the aircraft's performance in icing conditions.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a fatal private jet crash at Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine.
The accident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on a Sunday evening during a winter storm. The aircraft involved was a twin-engine turbo-fan Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet. The plane crashed shortly after being cleared for takeoff from the airport. Preliminary reports indicate the jet came to rest inverted and caught fire.
Initial Casualty Reports and Verification
Initial information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported seven fatalities and one serious injury on board. However, a later statement from the Bangor airport and local police provided a revised count. According to the flight manifest, six people were on board, and all are presumed to be deceased. No one from the incident was transported to a hospital, local authorities confirmed. The NTSB noted its role does not include releasing victim information.
Investigation Details and Aircraft History
The NTSB has dispatched a team to the scene to begin its aviation accident report investigation. The FAA is also assisting with the probe. Investigators will focus on the circumstances surrounding the private jet takeoff accident.
Conditions at the time included snowy weather and low visibility. An audio recording from air traffic controllers captured a controller saying, "Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down," approximately 45 seconds after takeoff clearance. First responders arrived on the scene less than a minute after the crash, according to the airport director. The Bangor airport was closed for a period on Monday morning following the incident.
Registered Owner and Aircraft Data
FAA records show the Bombardier Challenger 600 entered service in April 2020. The plane had arrived in Maine from Texas. The company listed as the registered owner, KTKJ Challenger LLC, shares a Houston address with the personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin. The connection to the law firm has been widely reported.
Focus on Winter Weather Operations
One key area of the NTSB investigation will be the impact of the Maine winter storm conditions. Aviation safety experts have noted that the Challenger 600 model has a documented history regarding its performance with ice buildup on the wings. This makes proper de-icing procedures critical before takeoff in freezing conditions. The investigation will determine if icing was a factor in this specific business jet safety event. Bombardier has referred all questions regarding the crash to the NTSB.
Impact on Aviation Stakeholders
This tragic event highlights the critical nature of pre-flight checks and adherence to winter operations protocols. The crash serves as a reminder to the business aviation sector of the risks associated with adverse weather. The twin-engine turbo-fan jet segment will closely monitor the NTSB’s findings. The investigation’s final report could lead to safety recommendations for operations in cold weather environments. The NTSB investigation process is thorough and aims to prevent future accidents by identifying all contributing factors.
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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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