Dramatic Moments Captured on Air Traffic Audio (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Bangor, Maine – A Bombardier Challenger business jet carrying eight people veered off course and crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening.[1][2]
Dramatic Moments Captured on Air Traffic Audio
The incident unfolded around 7:45 p.m. local time as the twin-engine jet attempted to depart Runway 33 amid deteriorating weather.[3] Air traffic control audio revealed the sudden chaos when controllers halted all ground traffic and reported the aircraft upside down.[2]
Emergency responders rushed to the scene immediately. The airport shut down operations for the night, with first responders assessing the situation into the early hours.[1] Authorities provided no updates on the conditions of those aboard by Monday morning.
Winter Storm Complicates the Takeoff
Temperatures hovered near 2 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills dropping to minus 13 and light snow reducing visibility.[1] Winds blew from the northeast at about 10 mph during a broader winter storm warning across the region.[2]
Bangor Police Sgt. Jeremy Brock described the conditions as challenging. The storm brought sleet, freezing rain, and heavy snow to parts of the Northeast, testing aviation limits.[3]
Details on the Aircraft and Its Journey
The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600 series configured for up to 11 passengers, bore the registration N10KJ.[2] It belonged to KTKJ Challenger LLC, a Houston-based entity linked to a local law firm.[4] Flight data indicated the jet had arrived from Houston earlier that day.
Three crew members and five passengers occupied the cabin, according to preliminary controller communications.[2] The exact destination remained unclear as investigators began their work.
Investigation Underway Amid Airport Closure
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash and notified the National Transportation Safety Board, which leads the probe into the cause.[1] Teams expected more details by Monday.
Local authorities established an emergency operations center. Witnesses reported seeing lights in the distance post-crash, but no further visuals emerged publicly.[1]
- FAA statement: Crash during takeoff with eight on board.
- NTSB role: Determine factors like weather, mechanical issues, or pilot actions.
- Airport impact: Full closure Sunday night, limited flights Monday.
- Owner details: Houston LLC, recent arrival from Texas.
- Weather role: Low visibility and snow prominent in early reports.
Key Takeaways
- Eight people aboard; injury status unknown.
- Bombardier Challenger 650, N10KJ, from Houston.
- Winter storm conditions at Bangor International.
This crash underscores the perils of flying in extreme winter weather. As the NTSB delves deeper, communities await news on the survivors. What do you think contributed most to the incident? Tell us in the comments.
