Seven Die as Private Jet Crashes During Snowstorm in Maine

Seven individuals tragically lost their lives and one crew member sustained critical injuries when a Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on March 3, 2024. The incident occurred amid a heavy snowstorm that affected large parts of New England, prompting a multi-agency investigation and the temporary closure of the airport.

The aircraft was carrying eight people when it attempted to take off at approximately 19:45 local time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane overturned and caught fire shortly after leaving the runway. Air traffic control recordings captured the chaos unfolding, with an operator reporting, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down,” roughly 45 seconds after the jet received clearance for takeoff.

Emergency crews responded swiftly, reaching the crash site in under a minute. Following the incident, Bangor International Airport, located about 200 miles north of Boston, was closed and will remain shut until at least noon on March 6, 2024.

Investigation Underway

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft experienced difficulties during departure, leading to the fire. The NTSB has stated that further information will be withheld until investigators can examine the site in the coming days. Additionally, the agency noted it does not release victim information, leaving that responsibility to local authorities.

Airport director Jose Saavedra opted not to comment on the identities of the victims during a press conference on March 4, indicating that he was awaiting direction from federal partners.

Severe Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, Bangor was experiencing continuous snowfall, although airport operations were ongoing. Saavedra emphasized that the airport frequently manages operations during adverse weather conditions, stating, “We have crews on site that respond to weather storms on a regular basis. This is normal for us to respond to weather events.”

The crash coincided with a significant winter storm affecting the eastern United States, which brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain. This storm resulted in widespread disruptions to both air and road travel, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, especially in the Southeast.

Nationwide, the storm had a considerable impact on commercial aviation, as approximately 12,000 flights were canceled on the same day, with nearly 20,000 experiencing delays, according to data from flight tracking service FlightAware. Major disruptions were reported at airports in cities including Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-body business jet capable of accommodating between nine and eleven passengers. Since its introduction in 1980, it has been a popular choice for charter operations, noted for its spacious “walk-about cabin” design.

As investigations continue, the aviation community and the families affected by this tragedy await further updates on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the ongoing recovery efforts at Bangor International Airport.