What Caused the Deadly Bombardier Challenger 650 Crash at Bangor International Airport?
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A Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport on Sunday, killing at least six people; the NTSB is investigating.
Key Takeaways
- •A Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport (KBGR) on Sunday evening, killing at least six people.
- •Conflicting reports exist: local police state six presumed dead, while the FAA's preliminary report indicated seven fatalities and one serious injury among eight people.
- •The accident occurred during a massive winter storm, and the flight crew had requested deicing just minutes before the attempted takeoff.
- •The jet is registered to KTKJ Challenger LLC, which is linked to the Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP.
At least six people are dead following a private plane crash Maine on Sunday evening. The accident occurred during takeoff from Bangor International Airport (KBGR). Local authorities stated six individuals were on the flight manifest. All on board are presumed to be deceased. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a preliminary report. This report indicated eight people were aboard the aircraft. It also stated seven people had died and one was seriously injured. The local police stressed that final details await federal confirmation.
Accident Details
The jet involved was a Bombardier Challenger 650 business aircraft. It crashed around 7:45 p.m. local time. The aircraft came to rest inverted and caught fire. The Bombardier Challenger 650 accident happened amid a massive winter storm. This storm brought heavy snow and low visibility to the US Northeast.
Air traffic control audio suggests deicing was a factor. The pilots requested and received Type I and Type IV deicing. This occurred just minutes before their attempted takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the NTSB investigation private jet. Investigators are probing the cause of the crash. They will examine the role of the severe weather.
Investigation and Ownership
The plane is a 2020 model. It is registered to KTKJ Challenger LLC. The listed address matches a Houston-based law firm. This firm is Arnold & Itkin LLP. The registered agent is reportedly Jason Itkin. The firm has not commented on the crash. The NTSB will recover the wreckage for further evaluation. A preliminary accident report is expected within 30 days.
Operational Impact
The Bangor International Airport crash forced a significant closure. The airport announced it would be closed. It was expected to reopen no earlier than Tuesday noon. This closure caused flight cancellations and travel disruptions. The incident highlights commercial aviation safety concerns. Operations during extreme weather conditions present significant challenges. Deicing procedures Challenger 650 operations will be a key focus. The investigation will determine if ice buildup contributed to the accident.
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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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