Eight people were on board a Bombardier Challenger business jet that crashed while attempting to take off from Bangor International Airport in Maine late Sunday night, January 25, as heavy snowfall and low visibility affected parts of New England.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft was carrying eight occupants at the time of the incident.
As of early Monday, officials had not released information on the identities or conditions of those on board, and no official statement had been made regarding injuries or fatalities.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time, according to Bangor International Airport authorities.
Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they worked for several hours to secure the area and manage the unfolding situation involving the eight people aboard the jet.
Airport officials said an Emergency Operations Center was activated shortly after the incident to coordinate response efforts and ensure safety on the airfield.
Airport authorities noted that additional updates were expected to be provided by 8 a.m. Monday as more information became available about the condition of the occupants and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The presence of eight people on the aircraft has heightened concern as investigators work to determine what happened during the critical moments of takeoff.
Early, still-developing information suggests the aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after being cleared for departure. Audio recordings from air traffic control communications reportedly referenced reduced visibility and deicing procedures prior to takeoff from Runway 33.
Shortly after the clearance was issued, air traffic controllers stopped all runway activity.
In subsequent communications, one controller was heard indicating that the aircraft had overturned following the crash.
Officials have not yet confirmed the precise position of the aircraft or the extent of damage sustained, nor have they provided details on rescue or evacuation efforts involving the eight occupants.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident included snowfall and limited visibility, factors that are expected to form part of the investigation. Flight operations at Bangor International Airport were temporarily disrupted as emergency crews attended to the crash site and ensured that no further risks were present.
The FAA identified the aircraft involved as a Bombardier Challenger 600 series business jet. Although some early online reports described the aircraft differently, aviation authorities said only officially confirmed details would be relied upon as the investigation continues.
The FAA said it is leading the investigation into the crash and will examine aircraft data, runway conditions, weather reports, and operational procedures to determine the cause.
Authorities have urged patience as they work to establish what led to the crash involving the eight people on board and to provide verified information to the public as it becomes available.
“A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine around 7:45 p.m local time on Sunday, Jan. 25. Eight people were on board. The FAA and NTSB will investigate,” the FAA said in a post on its X handle.
“This information is preliminary and subject to change.”