7 Killed As Private Jet Crashes During Takeoff In Snowstorm At Maine’s Bangor International Airport

At least seven people lost their lives after a private business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in the US state of Maine. One crew member survived the crash but sustained serious injuries, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The accident took place on Sunday night amid a powerful winter storm affecting New England and several other parts of the United States. Heavy snowfall was reported in Bangor at the time of the crash.

Jet Flipped and Caught Fire After Takeoff

The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was carrying eight people when it crashed shortly after being cleared for takeoff at around 7:45 pm. Officials said the jet flipped over on the airfield and caught fire moments after leaving the runway.

Air traffic control audio recordings captured a controller alerting emergency teams by saying the aircraft was "upside down" shortly after takeoff clearance. First responders reached the crash site within a minute, airport officials said.

Airport Closed After Deadly Accident

Following the crash, Bangor International Airport was shut down immediately. Authorities said the airport will remain closed until at least Wednesday afternoon as investigation and recovery work continues.

Bangor International Airport, located about 200 miles north of Boston, offers direct flights to several major US cities. Despite the heavy snowfall, officials said aircraft operations were ongoing around the time of the crash.

Federal Agencies Launch Investigation

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the incident. The NTSB confirmed that the aircraft crashed during departure and suffered a post-crash fire.

Investigators are expected to arrive at the site within the next couple of days. Officials said no further details would be released until the investigation progresses. Information about the victims will be shared by local authorities.

Winter Storm Disrupts Travel Across US

The crash occurred as a massive winter storm swept across large parts of the eastern United States. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain disrupted air and road travel, causing widespread delays and cancellations.

According to flight tracking data, more than 12,000 flights were cancelled and nearly 20,000 were delayed on Sunday alone. Airports in cities including New York, Washington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore were among the worst affected.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-body business jet designed to carry between nine and eleven passengers. Introduced in 1980, it is known for its spacious cabin and remains a popular choice for private and charter flights.

As investigations continue, officials are working to determine whether weather conditions, technical issues, or other factors contributed to the tragic crash.