Private plane carrying 8 passengers crashes in Bangor, Maine, as Winter Storm Fern batters state

Bangor plane crash

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) — The FAA has reported that a Bombardier Challenger 600, flight N10KJ, crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Eight individuals were on board, with seven fatalities reported according to a preliminary FAA report. The report also indicates that one crew member is in serious condition.

The FAA and NTSB are conducting an investigation. The report states the crash happened under “unknown circumstances.” The aircraft ended up inverted on the runway and caught fire. Images obtained by WABI show the landing gear of the plane facing upwards.

An Emergency Operation Center has been set up at Bangor International Airport.

A media briefing took place at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal at Bangor International Airport. Airport director Jose Saavedra declined to comment on the condition of those on board but confirmed that as of Monday morning, the aircraft remains on the runway.

The airport is currently closed, and the public is advised to avoid the area. Operations will not resume until noon on Wednesday.

Airport officials have reported numerous flight cancellations and diversions. Passengers are urged to contact their airlines for updates on their travel plans.

FAA records indicate the plane was registered to a Houston, TX LLC, with the associated address belonging to Arnold & Itkin Trial Lawyers.

Minutes before the crash, audio obtained from LiveATC.net reveals controllers and pilots discussing low visibility and deicing, though it's unclear who is speaking to whom.

A controller cleared the pilot of N10KJ for takeoff on Bangor’s Runway 33. Nearly two-and-a-half minutes later, a controller urgently announced: “All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!”

Soon after, another controller reported, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.”

The airport was then closed, allowing emergency vehicles access to the airfield.

A controller later mentioned awareness of “three crew and possibly five passengers.”

The identities of those on board have not been disclosed.