An aircraft carrying eight people crashed while attempting to depart Bangor International Airport on Sunday night, January 25, amid a severe winter storm. The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 650, went down shortly before 8:00 PM ET.
Federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB have launched a joint inquiry into the Sunday night crash.
Incident Profile: N10KJ
In response to the crash, airport authorities issued a statement on Facebook:
“An incident at the airport is under investigation. First responders are on scene and assessing the situation. Please avoid the airport at this time.”
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The following table summarizes the verified details of the accident based on preliminary reports and airport records:
| Detail | Information |
| Aircraft Type | Bombardier Challenger 650 |
| Registration | N10KJ |
| Operator | Houston-based LLC |
| Time of Incident | Approx. 7:55 PM ET, Sunday, Jan 25 |
| Total Occupants | 8 (Source: CNN) |
| Injuries | Under assessment / Not yet confirmed |
| Airport Status | Temporary closure implemented Sunday night |
Weather and Environmental Factors
The crash coincided with a severe winter storm impacting the Northeastern United States. At the time of the takeoff attempt, local meteorological data indicated extreme conditions that likely hampered operations:
- Temperature: A frigid 2°F (-16°C).
- Visibility: Restricted to 3/4 of a mile due to light snowfall.
- Atmospheric Conditions: Ongoing subfreezing temperatures and poor visibility across Penobscot County.
Takeoff Sequence and Eyewitness Reports
While the airport is known for its extensive runways, often used for transatlantic refueling, witnesses described a catastrophic failure during the aircraft's departure. According to accounts from the scene, the jet attempted to lift off shortly after another plane had landed.
Observers noted that the Challenger 650 began "shuttering" almost immediately after leaving the ground. The aircraft then reportedly rolled onto its roof and ignited upon impact. First responders were on the scene within minutes, though the Houston-based company that owns the jet has yet to release a formal statement.
Regional Significance
Bangor International Airport serves as a critical travel hub for northern Maine and is situated approximately 50 miles from the Canadian border. Its role as a strategic gateway means the temporary closure of its runways can have a significant ripple effect on both regional travel and international ref
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Comments (15)
david price
Sounds like a similar event to Florida flight 90, snow/ice on the aircraft disrupting lift/air flow over the wings.
fjclarey
contaminated runway; ice compromise on the wing and horizontal stab. wing stall characteristics at rotation. Just stay put until the weather improves....
fjclarey
contaminated runway; ice compromise on the wing and horizontal stab. wing stall characteristics at rotation. Just stay put until the weather improves....
WDB
I can only imagine that the 650 has a takeoff configuration warning system. So, unless it was INOP or the crew ignored it, you can assume the flaps and trim were set correctly for takeoff. That would leave contamination on the wings and tail for the loss of control at liftoff. If an aircraft gets deiced and then exceeds the holdover time of the deicer used it is often worse off than before deicing. Praying for the best of all involved.
James Leavitt
The storm was bigger than usual for Bangor, but predicted days in advance. As I understand it, this was a fuel stop before going to Europe. They should not have gone to Bangor, Presque Isle (KPQI) would have been a better choice. No rain/snow/ fog, just very cold. Cheaper fuel costs. Shorter distance over the ocean. KPQI sells most of it's jet A fuel to planes going to, and coming back from Europe.
James Leavitt
The storm was bigger than usual for Bangor, but predicted days in advance. As I understand it, this was a fuel stop before going to Europe. They should not have gone to Bangor, Presque Isle (KPQI) would have been a better choice. No rain/snow/ fog, just very cold. Cheaper fuel costs. Shorter distance over the ocean. KPQI sells most of it's jet A fuel to planes going to, and coming back from Europe.
James Leavitt
The storm was bigger than usual for Bangor, but predicted days in advance. As I understand it, this was a fuel stop before going to Europe. They should not have gone to Bangor, Presque Isle (KPQI) would have been a better choice. No rain/snow/ fog, just very cold. Cheaper fuel costs. Shorter distance over the ocean. KPQI sells most of it's jet A fuel to planes going to, and coming back from Europe.
James Leavitt
The storm was bigger than usual for Bangor, but predicted days in advance. As I understand it, this was a fuel stop before going to Europe. They should not have gone to Bangor, Presque Isle (KPQI) would have been a better choice. No rain/snow/ fog, just very cold. Cheaper fuel costs. Shorter distance over the ocean. KPQI sells most of it's jet A fuel to planes going to, and coming back from Europe.
JOeybIDUNCE
cnn SAID THERE WERE 8 PEOPLE ON BOARD. oF COURSE.
JOeybIDUNCE
cnn SAID THERE WERE 8 PEOPLE ON BOARD. oF COURSE.
JOeybIDUNCE
cnn SAID THERE WERE 8 PEOPLE ON BOARD. oF COURSE.
Glenn
Looks like get home-itis may have been a factor.
James
Can someone verify that the aircraft was deiced prior? If so how long was it on the ground? Terrible tragedy
James
Can someone verify that the aircraft was deiced prior? If so how long was it on the ground? Terrible tragedy
Mike
It looks very much like wake-turbulance from the landing aircraft.
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