Seven dead, one critically injured in private jet crash on takeoff at Maine airport, FAA says
BANGOR, MAINE: Seven people were killed and one person was seriously injured after a private business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, January 25, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash occurred around 7:45 pm, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the immediate closure of the airport.
Federal officials said the aircraft came down under unknown circumstances and caught fire after takeoff. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation into the incident.
Jet Crashes During Takeoff Amid Severe Winter Conditions
The twin-engine business jet crashed shortly after departing Bangor International Airport, the FAA said in a preliminary report. The aircraft “crashed under unknown circumstances on departure, came to rest inverted, and caught fire,” the agency stated. Of the eight people on board, seven were killed and one survived with serious injuries, federal officials said.
Bangor International Airport confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after 7:45 p.m. Sunday. Airport director Jose Saavedra said he would not provide additional details while federal investigators examine the site. “We’re not ready to share additional information,” Saavedra told reporters Monday, adding that the airport was deferring to the FAA and NTSB.
The aircraft was identified as a Bombardier Challenger business jet, registered to a Houston-based limited corporation, according to federal records. Authorities said the jet burst into flames after crashing, prompting a response from multiple agencies. Airport director Jose Saavedra said the National Guard, local firefighters, and first responders from roughly 10 surrounding municipalities assisted at the scene.
The crash occurred during a major winter storm affecting the Northeast. At the time, Bangor's temperature was around 2°F, with a windchill of –13°F, light snow, and winds from the northeast at around 10 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. Bangor was under a winter storm warning, and visibility was limited.
“Certainly, the weather is challenging,” Bangor Police Sgt. Jeremy Brock told NBC affiliate WCSH of Portland, Maine.
Airport Closed as Investigators Review Evidence and Air Traffic Audio
Bangor International Airport was closed shortly after the crash and is expected to remain closed until at least noon Wednesday, according to airport officials. The airport serves several major airlines, including Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, and United Airlines, and is located roughly 240 miles north of Boston.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. An NTSB spokesperson said investigators planned to travel to Bangor, but severe weather made the timing uncertain. Airport director Jose Saavedra later said the NTSB expected to have a team on site later Monday afternoon. Airport officials said no further details would be released until investigators arrive.
Air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net captured moments surrounding the incident. Minutes before the crash, controllers and pilots discussed low visibility and deicing procedures, though it was not immediately clear who was speaking. A controller cleared the aircraft for takeoff on Runway 33. Nearly two minutes later, a controller was heard urgently stating, “All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!”
Moments afterward, another controller said, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.” Emergency vehicles were then cleared to access the airfield, and the airport was shut down. Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions, aircraft systems, and operational factors as part of the ongoing inquiry.
