A private jet with eight occupants crashed shortly after takeoff from a bustling airport in the United States amidst heavy snowfall. The incident involving a Bombardier Challenger 600 occurred at Maine’s Bangor International Airport around 7.45pm. Authorities are investigating the crash, with no immediate updates on the individuals’ conditions.
The accident coincided with a severe winter storm affecting New England and various parts of the country, leading to significant snowfall in Bangor and other areas. Emergency teams responded to the scene at the airport, which was subsequently closed due to the single aircraft incident.
Bangor International Airport released a statement confirming an ongoing investigation into the airport incident and urging the public to avoid the area while first responders assess the situation. Prior to departure, the pilot and air traffic control discussed poor visibility caused by inclement weather. Despite receiving clearance for takeoff, a controller later announced a halt in all traffic on the field, revealing an aircraft overturn with three crew members and potentially five passengers onboard.
Situated approximately 200 miles north of Boston, Bangor International Airport offers direct flights to destinations like Orlando, Washington DC, and Charlotte. Over the weekend, a massive storm disrupted travel across the eastern US, resulting in flight cancellations and delays. Commercial air traffic faced significant interruptions, affecting thousands of flights and impacting airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, a spacious business jet accommodating nine to eleven passengers, was introduced in 1980 as the first private jet with a “walk-about cabin.” It remains a preferred charter option according to aircharterservice.com.