Tragedy at Bangor International Airport: Private Jet Crashes During Takeoff Amid Winter Storm
BANGOR, Maine — A private jet carrying eight people crashed as it attempted to take off from Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening, killing seven and seriously injuring one, authorities confirmed Monday.
The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet, went down shortly after receiving clearance for departure around 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time on January 25, 2026. The crash occurred amid a powerful winter storm sweeping across the northeastern United States, which brought heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and hazardous conditions to the region.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials reported that the jet flipped upside down and caught fire after leaving the runway. Recordings from air traffic controllers captured a chilling moment when ground personnel reported, “Aircraft upside down” shortly after takeoff.
Emergency crews from local fire and rescue units responded迅 within minutes, working through difficult weather to reach the wreckage. The jet was registered to a Houston-based corporation connected with the law firm Arnold & Itkin, though the identities of those onboard have not been publicly released.
Casualties and Survivors
According to the FAA, seven of the eight people aboard were killed, and one crew member survived with serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation and is working to determine the cause of the crash.
Airport officials said Bangor International Airport was closed after the incident and is expected to remain shut for several days while investigators and cleanup crews work at the site.
Weather and Broader Disruptions
The crash unfolded as Winter Storm Fern — as meteorologists have dubbed the system — hammered the Northeast with snow, ice, and subfreezing temperatures. The storm contributed to widespread flight cancellations and delays nationwide, with thousands of flights affected at major U.S. airports.
Heavy snowfall in Bangor itself has delayed the arrival of NTSB investigators and complicated emergency operations at the airport.
Investigation Underway
Federal officials have not yet released preliminary findings on what caused the aircraft to crash. Investigators frequently examine possible factors such as mechanical issues, pilot decision-making, air traffic control communications, and weather conditions. The NTSB typically issues a preliminary report within days of an event, with a full investigation taking many months.
