Maine Plane Crash: Private Jet Carrying 8 Crashes in Flames at Bangor Airport

MAINE PLANE CRASH 2026: A private Bombardier Challenger 600 carrying 8 people crashed and flipped at Bangor International Airport during a winter storm. Get the latest on the fire, the Houston law firm connection, and the NTSB investigation.

A high-stakes flight turned into a terrifying scene at Bangor International Airport on Sunday night, January 25, 2026, after a private business jet carrying eight people crashed and burst into flames during takeoff.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time as a brutal winter storm battered the region, turning the runway into a landscape of snow and ice.The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, reportedly flipped and came to rest upside down on the airfield.

While emergency crews were on the scene within minutes, the fate of the three crew members and five passengers remained unconfirmed as of early Monday afternoon.

The “Upside Down” Disaster: ATC Audio Reveals Chaos

Air traffic control audio captured the chilling moments as the flight was cleared for takeoff on Runway 33. Just two minutes later, the calm of the tower was shattered by urgent radio calls.

• The Distress Call: “All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!” a controller was heard shouting.
• The Visual: Moments later, another voice confirmed the severity: “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.”
• The Response: A significant fire broke out immediately following the impact, lighting up the snowy night. Bangor’s emergency operation center was established at 10:30 p.m., with first responders working through the sub-zero temperatures to extinguish the blaze.

A Storm-Stricken Ascent

The crash took place during a massive winter storm that has paralyzed travel across the Northeast. At the time of the incident, visibility in Bangor was reported to be just 3/4 of a mile with steady snowfall.

The Investigation: Pilot Error or Mechanical Failure?

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation. Investigators are expected to arrive on-site late Monday once the snow clears to examine whether ice accumulation on the wings or the slick runway surface played a role in the failure to gain altitude.

The aircraft involved had reportedly arrived in Maine from Texas earlier that day. FAA records indicate the jet entered service in 2020 and had a clean maintenance history prior to the Sunday night departure.

“The weather is certainly challenging,” said Sgt. Jeremy Brock of the Bangor Police. “First responders were actively working the site for several hours in extreme conditions. Our thoughts are with the families of those on board as we wait for confirmation on their status.”