A horrific aviation crash took place on the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Bangor International Airport (BGR), a private business jet with eight people crashing and overturning during the takeoff roll. The incident occurred at about 7:45 PM local time, occurring right after an enormous winter storm hit the Northeastern United States, pouring into the skies with unprecedented cold and heavy snow.
Details of the Crash
The involved aircraft was reported to be a Bombardier Challenger 600 (reported to be a 650 model, N10KJ registered), a wide-bodied business jet. According to preliminary reports by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the jet was trying to depart for a flight following its arrival from Houston, Texas.
Witnesses at the scene recounted a harrowing sequence of events. According to reports, the aircraft briefly lifted off, began “shuttering,” and then suddenly rolled onto its roof before bursting into flames. Scenes flashing through social media depict thick clouds of black smoke billowing from the snow-covered runway while emergency workers battled the blaze in temperatures well below zero.
Weather a Likely Factor
The crash was in high storm conditions in Maine. At the time of the accident:
- Temperature: A freezing 2°F (-17°C).
- Visibility: Limited to roughly three-quarters of a mile because of steady, light snowfall.
- Ground Conditions: Airport operated amid a winter storm warning; snow accumulation on the ground.
One witness, who had only just arrived at a neighboring runway, wrote on social media: “We just landed in Bangor from Florida on an unplowed runway … we just saw an 8-person plane crash behind us!”
Casualties and Investigation
As of Monday morning, January 26, the exact condition of the eight passengers and crew on board remains to be determined. Although a massive blaze ensued after the initial impact, no fatalities have been confirmed by the Maine State Police or airport officials.
The airport had been immediately closed after the “single-aircraft incident,” and several commercial flights were canceled. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to assess whether mechanical failure, ice accumulation, or pilot error contributed to the overturn.
It is said that the airplane is registered with a Houston-based limited liability company, which is believed to be an associate of a law firm. The owners have not released any official statement.
