Tragedy struck at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night (January 25, 2026) when a private aircraft crashed in flames during takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying eight people, crashed at approximately 7:45 PM. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash. At the time of this report, there was no update on the conditions of the passengers.
According to ABC affiliate WMTW 8, the crash was captured on a doorbell camera. A government official, who wished to remain anonymous, told news agency Reuters that there was a significant fire after the crash. The incident occurred during a massive winter storm that was affecting New England and other parts of the country. Bangor had been experiencing heavy snowfall throughout the day.
Although light snow was falling at the airport before the crash, authorities have not yet determined if weather played a role in the accident. A winter storm warning was in effect for Bangor and much of Maine. The aircraft had flown from Texas before arriving in Maine, according to the government official.
Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the airport was closed following the incident. Bangor International Airport offers direct flights to popular destinations such as Orlando, Florida; Washington, D. C. ; and Charlotte, North Carolina. The airport is located approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Boston.
The winter storm caused major disruptions in air and road traffic throughout the weekend. Sleet, freezing rain, and snow were reported across the eastern half of the United States, causing power outages and delays in travel. According to the flight tracker FlightAware, around 12,000 flights were canceled on Sunday, and nearly 20,000 were delayed. Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey were among those affected.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a popular private jet option, with a capacity of 9 to 11 passengers. FAA records show that the aircraft involved in the crash was put into service in April 2020. The Challenger 600 was first introduced in 1980 and is known for its spacious cabin design, making it a preferred choice for private charters, according to aircharterservice. com.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the passengers and their families during this difficult time.