Private jet crashes during takeoff at Bangor airport as winter storm disrupts travel

A Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet carrying eight people crashed during takeoff Sunday night at Bangor International Airport in Maine, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The crash happened at about 7:45 p.m., and authorities said there was no immediate public update on the condition of the passengers and crew while first responders secured the scene and investigators began initial fact-finding.

The incident unfolded as a large winter storm moved across wide swaths of the eastern half of the United States. Bangor and much of New England experienced steady snowfall, while other areas dealt with sleet, freezing rain, and hazardous road conditions. Airport officials said emergency crews responded quickly and the airport was closed after what it described as an incident involving a single departing aircraft.

Investigation begins as travel remains heavily disrupted

The FAA said the agency and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. In the early hours after the crash, officials focused on ensuring the area was safe and preserving evidence. The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-bodied business jet often configured for roughly nine to eleven passengers; it has long been used in private aviation because of its spacious cabin compared with many business jets.

The crash came amid widespread disruption to air travel. The storm system forced thousands of cancellations and delays across the country, with the Northeast and Southeast among the hardest-hit regions. Weather-related delays rippled through airline schedules, straining airport operations and complicating logistics for travelers attempting to rebook or reroute.

What happens next

• Investigators will review flight data, maintenance records, and any available communications around the time of departure.
• Weather, runway conditions, and de-icing procedures are likely to be examined because the crash occurred during a significant storm.
• Officials may issue preliminary findings as early steps are completed, though full investigations can take months.

Bangor International Airport, located about 200 miles north of Boston, typically serves both commercial and private aircraft, with direct flights to several major U.S. cities. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area as crews continued response and investigative work, and travelers were encouraged to check for operational updates before heading to the airport.