What Caused the Fatal Bombardier Challenger 600 Crash at Bangor International Airport?

A Bombardier Challenger 600 private business jet crashed during takeoff on Sunday night, January 25, 2026, at Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine. The accident happened around 7:45 p.m. local time as a major winter storm affected the New England region. The aircraft reportedly crashed on the runway, came to rest upside down, and caught fire.

Conflicting Casualty Reports

Initial reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggested seven fatalities and one seriously injured crew member, totaling eight people on board.

However, local authorities later issued a conflicting statement. Officials from Bangor International Airport and the Bangor Police Department stated that the flight manifest showed six people were aboard.

All six people on the flight are presumed to be deceased.

No one from the incident was transported to a local hospital.

Investigation Status and Key Factors

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are investigating the crash cause.

Preliminary information indicates the plane crashed upon departure.

Heavy snow and poor visibility were present at the time of the accident.

Investigators are focusing on several potential factors. The winter storm aviation accident scenario makes aircraft icing risk a primary concern.

Trace amounts of ice or frost on the wings can severely impact lift and control. This is especially true during the critical takeoff phase.

The NTSB will examine the aircraft’s maintenance history and flight crew actions. They will also analyze air traffic control recordings for further clues.

The Aircraft and Airport Impact

The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a widely used business jet model. The specific aircraft was registered to a corporation in Houston, Texas.

Bangor International Airport (BGR) was immediately closed following the incident.

Emergency crews and federal investigators faced delays due to the heavy snow.

The airport closure led to the cancellation of other scheduled flights.

Airport officials requested that the public avoid the area. This is necessary to allow investigators to work safely.

BGR was expected to remain closed for at least another day.

Business Jet Safety Focus

This tragic event highlights the business jet safety challenges during severe weather. Operators must strictly follow anti-icing and de-icing procedures.

• The NTSB investigation will provide crucial safety recommendations.
• The findings will impact operational procedures for the entire Bombardier Challenger 600 fleet.
• The focus remains on determining the exact cause of the Challenger 600 takeoff failure.

Federal authorities will release more information as the investigation proceeds. They continue to process the crash site evidence.

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