Seven individuals lost their lives, and a crew member sustained severe injuries when a private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport during a snowstorm in the United States. The US Federal Aviation Administration reported that the Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying eight people, crashed during take-off from the airport in Maine around 7:45 pm on Sunday night amid adverse weather conditions.
The airport, situated 200 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, was closed following the incident. Although snowfall was heavy in various parts of the country, accumulation had only commenced in Bangor, and other flights had been departing safely before the tragedy.
The jet is owned by a corporation sharing an address with the law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers in Houston, Texas, with one of the firm’s founding partners serving as the registered agent for the plane’s owning company. Investigations into the crash are being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that the plane crashed during take-off and caught fire afterward. However, no further details will be provided until investigators arrive at the scene. Airport director Jose Saavedra declined to comment, stating that he was awaiting guidance and support from federal authorities.
First responders arrived promptly after the crash, with the airport shutting down until at least noon on Wednesday. The incident occurred amidst a widespread winter storm affecting New England and other parts of the country. Bangor experienced continuous snowfall on the day of the unfortunate event.
Bangor International Airport received nearly 10 inches of snow, as reported by the National Weather Service in Caribou, Maine. Despite the disruptions to commercial air traffic across the US, the airport’s joint use agreement with the Maine Air National Guard ensures operational readiness in all weather conditions.
Flight operations were significantly impacted, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed. The airport’s website reassures that their runways are operational regardless of weather conditions, emphasizing their resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.