A private jet carrying eight people crashed just after 7:45 PM local time on Sunday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed. The sole survivor, a member of the flight crew, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft flipped over and caught fire on the runway amid a severe winter storm that has crippled travel across the northeastern United States. Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred just before 8 PM local time. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
What Happened During Takeoff?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the jet “crashed under unknown circumstances on departure.” In its initial statement, the FAA confirmed the aircraft “came to rest inverted and caught fire.” Emergency crews rushed to the scene, and the airport was closed temporarily. Images from the crash site showed dark smoke and visible flames against the snowy runway. Public records indicate the plane is registered to a law firm based in Houston, Texas.
Was Bad Weather A Factor?
The crash happened as a major winter storm delivered heavy snow and low visibility to the region. The National Weather Service had issued a winter storm warning for Bangor, predicting between 10 to 16 inches of snow. Audio from air traffic control, reviewed by CBS News, reveals pilots and controllers discussing poor visibility at the airport in the minutes before the accident. Shortly after, a controller was heard reporting, “a passenger aircraft upside down.”
Who Survived The Maine Plane Crash?
Officials confirmed that the lone survivor was a member of the flight crew. This person was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. There were eight people on board the aircraft in total. The investigation will seek to determine the experience of the crew and the operational decisions made prior to takeoff in challenging conditions.
How Widespread Was The Travel Chaos?
This tragedy occurred within a much larger wave of travel disruption. The powerful winter storm led to over 11,000 flight cancellations and nearly 5,500 delays across the United States on Sunday. Major airports from Philadelphia and Washington D.C. to New York and New Jersey experienced significant setbacks, stranding thousands of travelers.
