A private jet, during its takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine, crashed amidst severe winter weather, leading to the deaths of seven individuals while one crew member is reported to have survived but sustained serious injuries.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident took place around 7:45 p.m. on a Sunday as a significant winter storm impacted New England and various areas across the United States. The airport, approximately 200 miles north of Boston, was closed immediately following the tragic event.
At the time of the crash, conditions were characterized by heavy snowfall, though only a limited amount of inches had accumulated, and other flights were able to take off without issues. The Bombardier Challenger 600, the aircraft involved, is registered to a corporation that shares an address with the Houston, Texas-based law firm, Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers. One of the firm’s founding partners serves as the registered agent for the company that owns this jet.
The Federal Aviation Administration, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board, is currently conducting an investigation into the accident. The NTSB has preliminarily indicated that the aircraft crashed upon departure and caught fire afterwards. They have also stated that no additional information will be provided until investigators arrive on the scene in the next day or so.
The NTSB clarified that it does not handle the release of victim identities, stating that local authorities are responsible for such disclosures. During a press briefing on Monday, airport director Jose Saavedra refrained from commenting on the victims, mentioning that he was looking for guidance from federal entities.
Audio from air traffic control revealed communication approximately 45 seconds post-takeoff clearance, with someone announcing, "Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down." Saavedra noted that rescue personnel arrived on the site within a minute.
Bangor International Airport, which operates direct flights to cities such as Orlando, Washington, and Charlotte, shut down shortly after the crash. It is anticipated to remain closed until at least noon on the following Wednesday.
Saavedra mentioned that the airport had been facing ongoing snowfall on that Sunday, yet flights were still landing and taking off at that time. The National Weather Service reported that nearly 10 inches of snow had fallen overall, although it started earlier when the jet went down.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is designed for private travel, accommodating between 9 to 11 passengers. Since its release in 1980, it has been recognized for introducing a 'walk about cabin' in private jets, making it a favored choice for charter services.
Bangor International Airport is the largest air travel hub serving northern and eastern Maine. Their longstanding agreement with the Maine Air National Guard attests to their readiness to handle conditions that may arise regardless of weather challenges, captured in the phrase: "A Little Snow Doesn’t Scare Us."
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