Bangor, Maine – A private aircraft carrying eight people crashed on takeoff at Bangor International Airport on Sunday night, January 26, 2026, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Bombardier Challenger 600 went down around 7:45 p.m., prompting immediate emergency response. There was no immediate word on the conditions of those aboard. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the incident.
Crash Amid Severe Winter Weather
The crash occurred as New England and much of the eastern United States grappled with a massive winter storm. Bangor experienced steady snowfall throughout Sunday, part of a system that dumped sleet, freezing rain, and snow across the region.
The airport issued a statement confirming that emergency crews were on the scene and that the facility had been closed following what it described as “an incident involving a single aircraft departing the airport.”
Bangor International Airport, located about 200 miles (320 km) north of Boston, offers direct flights to cities including Orlando, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte.
Widespread Travel Disruptions
The storm wreaked havoc on air and road travel across the eastern half of the U.S., leaving hundreds of thousands without power in the Southeast.
Commercial air traffic was heavily disrupted, with 12,000 flights cancelled and nearly 20,000 delayed on Sunday, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey were among those impacted.
About the Bombardier Challenger 600
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a wide-bodied business jet typically configured for nine to 11 passengers. Launched in 1980, it was the first private jet to feature a “walk-around cabin” and remains a popular charter option.
Conclusion
As investigators work to determine the cause of the Bangor crash, the incident underscores the risks posed by severe winter weather to aviation. With widespread travel disruptions across the U.S., the tragedy adds to a weekend of chaos for passengers and crews navigating one of the season’s most powerful storms.
