
A private jet carrying eight souls flipped upside down during takeoff in a raging New England snowstorm.
Story Snapshot
- Bombardier Challenger 600/650 jet, registered to Houston LLC, crashed at Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. ET on January 25, 2026.
- A severe winter storm brought snow, sleet, and low visibility, prompting air traffic control to warn of hazards just before takeoff.
- FAA and NTSB launched investigations; no updates on injuries, fatalities, or passenger identities as of January 26 morning.
- Runway closed, flights canceled, contributing to nationwide storm disruptions with over 11,000 cancellations.
Crash Details Emerge
A Bombardier Challenger 600/650 private business jet attempted takeoff from Bangor International Airport (BGR) at approximately 7:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The aircraft, registered to a Houston-based LLC, carried eight people aboard. Air traffic control had discussed poor visibility due to ongoing snowfall and sleet moments earlier.
The controller reported the passenger aircraft upside down shortly after departure. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the runway closed immediately.
Storm Context and Airport Response
A massive winter storm battered the eastern U.S. over the January 24-25 weekend, dumping snow and sleet across New England. Bangor, 200 miles north of Boston, faced steady snowfall that reduced visibility. The airport handles both commercial and private jets but reported no prior major crashes.
BGR confirmed the incident on Facebook, stating an aircraft departing experienced trouble. Officials closed the runway, canceled flights, and urged the public to avoid the area. Power outages and road closures compounded regional travel chaos.
DEVELOPING: A Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet with 8 people on board crashed on takeoff from Bangor, Maine tonight, a source familiar tells me. FAA NOTAM says Bangor International Airport is now closed. More to come. pic.twitter.com/bxNyRFlvK2
— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) January 26, 2026
Federal Agencies Take Charge
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash details, including the jet model and time. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) joined the FAA in leading the investigation. The Houston LLC owner faces potential scrutiny as federal records tie the aircraft to the firm.
No identities or conditions of the eight passengers and crew emerged by Monday morning. FAA statements focused on initial facts without speculating on causes. Private jet operations in adverse weather now draw heightened attention.
LiveATC audio captured the controller’s urgent report of the upside-down aircraft, underscoring the sudden drama. The Challenger series, launched in 1980, remains popular for charters with its spacious cabin for 9-11 passengers. This incident highlights risks for such wide-body business jets in storms.
Impacts and Ongoing Probe
Runway closure at BGR halted operations, adding to national flight delays exceeding 5,500 on January 25 alone. Broader storm effects included 11,000-plus cancellations, power outages, and road shutdowns from the Northeast to the Southeast. Bangor locals faced avoidance orders while travelers endured halts.
Long-term, NTSB findings could prompt FAA reviews of weather protocols for Challenger jets and private aviation. Economic ripples hit charter services amid persistent disruptions. Investigation status remains active with no cause or victim updates.
Sources:
Private jet with ties to Houston crashes at Maine airport
Incident shuts down runway at Bangor airport
Plane with 8 aboard crashes at Bangor Maine airport after taking off in storm
Private jet carrying 8 passengers crashes in Bangor Maine
Aviation Safety Network entry on the incident














