A chilling scene unfolded in Bangor, Maine, as a private jet plummeted from the sky shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of six people and critically injuring a crew member. The Bombardier Challenger 650, engulfed in flames, rolled onto its roof in a horrifying instant, witnessed by stunned observers.
The tragedy occurred against the backdrop of a ferocious winter storm battering the eastern United States and Canada. Airports across the region were forced to close as visibility plummeted and the need for de-icing became paramount. The storm’s intensity created a treacherous environment for air travel.
Air traffic control audio revealed the growing concern moments before the crash. Controllers and pilots discussed the deteriorating conditions, acknowledging the limited visibility. Then, a stark and terrifying announcement cut through the static: “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.”
The cause of the devastating crash remains under investigation by federal aviation officials. The jet had recently arrived in Maine from Texas, and a significant fire erupted upon impact. The registered owner of the aircraft is linked to a Houston-based personal injury law firm.
Bangor International Airport is currently closed, with officials anticipating a shutdown lasting until Tuesday. Travelers are advised to closely monitor communications from their airlines for updates on their travel plans. The airport’s closure adds to the widespread disruption caused by the severe weather.
The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched investigators to the crash site. Their meticulous work will involve documenting the scene, carefully examining the wreckage, and ultimately recovering the aircraft for a more thorough evaluation at a secure facility.
The region is gripped by a winter storm warning, with snowfall predicted to reach between 10 and 16 inches. Frigid temperatures, not expected to rise above -5°C in the coming week, exacerbate the dangerous conditions. The storm has already claimed at least nine lives across the affected areas.
The storm’s impact on air travel has been immense, with over 11,000 flights cancelled across the US. Aviation analytics confirm this is the highest cancellation event experienced since the pandemic began, highlighting the storm’s unprecedented scale.
Governors across numerous states have issued urgent pleas for residents to remain indoors, fearing the weather could intensify further in the days ahead. The region braces for continued challenges as the storm’s fury persists.
