Why did the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash during takeoff at Bangor International Airport?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
NTSB and FAA are investigating a fatal Bombardier Challenger 600 crash at Bangor International Airport (BGR) during a snowstorm, resulting in six presumed deaths.
Key Takeaways
- •Six people are presumed dead following the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash at Bangor International Airport (BGR).
- •The NTSB and FAA are investigating the fatal accident, which occurred during takeoff amid heavy snowfall.
- •The Challenger 600 model has a documented history of issues with ice buildup on the wings, a key focus for the NTSB aviation investigation.
- •The private business jet was registered to a corporation sharing an address with the Houston-based Arnold & Itkin Trial Lawyers.
A private business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport (BGR) on a Sunday night. The accident occurred amid heavy snowfall in Maine. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 600. Local authorities report six people were aboard the flight manifest. All six people are presumed to be deceased. An earlier report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially listed seven fatalities and one serious injury. No one was transported to a hospital following the incident. The crash happened around 7:45 p.m. local time. The aircraft crashed shortly after departure and caught fire.
Investigation Underway
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation. The NTSB is the lead agency for determining the probable cause. Preliminary information confirms the jet crashed upon departure. The aircraft came to rest inverted before the post-crash fire. Investigators were delayed reaching the site due to the challenging winter weather. The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days.
Weather and Deicing Factors
The crash happened as a massive winter storm swept the region. Snowfall was heavy at the time of the takeoff during winter storm. Other aircraft were landing and departing around the time of the crash. Reports indicate the pilots requested and received Type I and Type IV deicing just minutes before attempting takeoff. Aviation safety experts note the Bombardier Challenger 600 model has a Challenger 600 icing history. This history includes problems with ice buildup on the wings causing previous crashes. Ice accumulation can severely impact lift and control. The investigation will examine the aircraft deicing procedures used.
Aircraft Ownership and Impact
The private business jet fatality involved an aircraft registered to a Houston-based company. The registered owner, KTKJ Challenger LLC, shares an address with the Arnold and Itkin law firm. One of the law firm’s founding partners is the registered agent for the company.
Commercial aviation disruption was widespread across the eastern US. Thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed nationwide due to the powerful storm. Bangor International Airport was shut down immediately after the incident. The airport closure affected all scheduled operations.
- Six people are presumed dead in the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash.
- The NTSB is investigating the role of weather and deicing in the Bangor International Airport accident.
- The Challenger 600 is a wide-bodied business jet introduced in 1980.
flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports.
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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