Private jet crashes during takeoff at Bangor airport amid snowstorm

A private business jet carrying eight people crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in the US state of Maine on the evening of January 25, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 650, went down shortly after being cleared for takeoff from Runway 33. The extent of injuries sustained by those on board remains unknown, a source briefed on the incident told CNN.

Bangor International Airport said emergency crews responded to the crash at around 7:45 p.m. local time. In a joint statement, the City of Bangor and the airport confirmed that first responders remained at the scene for several hours and that an emergency operations centre had been activated. The airport was closed overnight following the incident.

Air traffic control audio obtained from LiveATC.net suggests that airport personnel had been discussing low visibility and de-icing procedures shortly before the crash. Nearly two minutes after the aircraft was cleared for takeoff, a controller was heard urgently announcing that all airfield traffic had been halted. Moments later, another controller reported that the aircraft was “upside down.”

According to air traffic control communications, the jet was carrying three crew members and up to five passengers. Federal records show the aircraft is registered to a limited liability company based in Houston, Texas.

The crash occurred amid a severe snowstorm affecting the northeastern United States. Weather conditions in Maine at the time included sub-freezing temperatures, light snowfall and significantly reduced visibility.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

By Vugar Khalilov