Private Jet Crashes at Maine Airport Amid Severe Snowstorm, Eight People On Board
A private aircraft carrying eight individuals crashed while attempting to take off from Bangor International Airport in the U.S. state of Maine on Sunday night, as a massive snowstorm engulfed much of the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a Bombardier Challenger 600 came down during take-off at approximately 7:45 PM local time, though no further details about the circumstances were immediately released.
Severe Weather Conditions and Airport Operations
Maine is currently experiencing punishing snowfall and below-freezing temperatures due to Winter Storm Fern, which pounded much of the Northeast on Sunday. Bangor International Airport, located roughly 200 miles north of Boston, provides direct air links to major destinations including Orlando in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte, North Carolina. Amid the storm, there were reports of exchanges between air traffic controllers and pilots discussing poor visibility and the need for de-icing procedures, although it remains unclear which specific aircraft were involved in those conversations.
Emergency Response and Airport Shutdown
According to audio transmissions, one controller authorized the pilot to depart from Runway 33. Less than two minutes later, an urgent message was broadcast on the same frequency: “All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!” Soon after, another controller reported the severity of the situation, stating: “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.” The airport has been shut down to all flights as emergency vehicles were cleared to enter the airfield, as reported by CNN. In a subsequent transmission, a controller indicated that officials were aware of “three crew and possibly five passengers” on board the aircraft.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
The FAA and other relevant authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation into the crash to determine the exact cause, with factors such as weather conditions, pilot communication, and aircraft maintenance likely under scrutiny. This incident highlights the challenges of aviation operations during extreme weather events and underscores the importance of safety protocols in such hazardous environments. As emergency services continue to respond, further updates on the condition of those on board and the extent of the damage are anticipated in the coming hours.
