A private jet carrying eight has crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport.
BANGOR, ME — Federal authorities have launched an investigation after a private business jet carrying eight people crashed and overturned during takeoff from Bangor International Airport (BGR) on Sunday evening.
Incident Summary
The accident occurred at approximately 7:45 PM local time on January 25, 2026. The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 600 (reportedly registered as N10KJ), was attempting to depart for Houston when the incident took place.
According to preliminary reports from the FAA and air traffic control recordings, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on Runway 33 but failed to become safely airborne, eventually coming to rest upside down on the airfield.
Weather and On-Scene Response
The crash occurred as a significant winter storm moved through the Northeast, bringing freezing temperatures and low visibility to the Bangor area.
- Emergency Response: First responders arrived on the scene within minutes. The airport was immediately closed to all traffic, and the main runway remained shut down late into the night.
- Casualties: Eight people—six passengers and two crew members—were on board at the time of the crash. As of Monday morning, authorities have not officially released the identities or the medical conditions of those involved.
- Ownership: Federal records indicate the jet is registered to a Houston-based company, with some reports linking the tail number to a Texas law firm.
“A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. local time,” the FAA stated in an official release. “The FAA and NTSB will investigate. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation to determine if mechanical failure, pilot error, or the inclement weather played a role in the accident. Investigators are expected to arrive in Maine today to begin recovering flight data recorders and examining the wreckage.
Update
The airport said Monday afternoon there were six people aboard, according to the flight manifest, and all died.
