Fatal Private Jet Crash at Bangor Airport Under Investigation

OTTAWA, January 26, 2026 – A private business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine, United States, on Sunday night, killing seven of the eight people on board and seriously injuring the remaining crew member. The crash occurred during a severe winter storm that blanketed the region in heavy snow and high winds.

Incident Overview

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash of the Bombardier Challenger 600, registration N10KJ, which occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time on January 25, 2026. The aircraft, operated by KTKJ Challenger LLC and linked to a Houston law firm, was attempting to depart from runway 33 when it crashed, overturned, and caught fire.

Initial reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicate the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after departure, came to rest inverted, and was consumed by a post-crash fire. The crash site was secured by local authorities, and the airport was closed to all air traffic.

Emergency Response and Casualties

Emergency crews from multiple fire departments across Maine, including Bangor, Glenburn, and Hermon, responded to the scene within minutes. Despite the swift response, the severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and limited visibility, hampered initial rescue efforts.

According to an FAA preliminary report, seven of the eight people on board were killed. The sole survivor, a member of the flight crew, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Investigation and Airport Closure

The NTSB has assigned case number CEN26FA098 to the investigation and has dispatched a team of investigators to the site. The agency stated that a preliminary report will be available within 30 days, with a final report expected in 12 to 24 months.

Bangor International Airport remains closed until at least noon on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to facilitate the investigation and recovery operations. Airport Director Jose Saavedra confirmed that federal investigators are expected to arrive on Monday, January 26, 2026, to begin their on-site assessment.

Key Facts and Figures

Historical Context of Canadian Aviation Accidents

The crash in Bangor, Maine, brings to mind several significant aviation accidents that have occurred on Canadian soil, each of which has led to important safety reforms and investigations.

Air Canada Flight 624 (Halifax, 2015)

On March 29, 2015, Air Canada Flight 624, an Airbus A320-211, crashed during landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia. The aircraft, carrying 133 passengers and five crew members, landed short of the runway in heavy snow and poor visibility, resulting in 25 injuries, two of them serious. The accident was attributed to the airline’s standard operating procedure for the Airbus A320-200, which was found to be over-reliant on automation and led to excessive loss of altitude.

Gimli Glider (Gimli, 1983)

On July 23, 1983, Air Canada Flight 143, a Boeing 767-200, ran out of fuel and glided to a safe landing at Gimli, Manitoba. The incident, which resulted in no fatalities, was attributed to a combination of factors, including a defective fuel quantity indicator system and a misunderstanding of the metric system by the flight crew. The aircraft was repaired and remained in service until its retirement in 2008.

First Air Flight 6560 (Resolute, 2011)

On August 20, 2011, First Air Flight 6560, a Boeing 737-200, crashed on landing at Resolute, Nunavut, killing 12 of the 15 people on board. The accident was attributed to a late initiation of the descent, the inadvertent partial disengagement of the autopilot during final approach, a drift in the aircraft compass system, and poor communication between the flight crew.

Arrow Air Flight 1285R (Gander, 1985)

On December 12, 1985, Arrow Air Flight 1285R, a Douglas DC-8, crashed on takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland, killing all 256 people on board. The accident remains the deadliest aviation accident to occur on Canadian soil and was attributed to ice contamination on the wings’ leading edges and upper surfaces, as well as an underestimated onboard weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?

The aircraft involved in the crash was a Bombardier Challenger 600/650, a wide-bodied business jet configured for nine to 11 passengers. It was launched in 1980 as the first private jet with a “walk-about cabin” and remains a popular charter option.

How many people were on board the aircraft?

There were eight people on board the aircraft, including seven passengers and one flight crew member. The flight crew member was the sole survivor of the crash and sustained serious injuries.

What caused the crash?

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after departure, came to rest inverted, and was consumed by a post-crash fire. The investigation is ongoing.

What is the status of the investigation?

The investigation is ongoing, and the NTSB has assigned case number CEN26FA098 to the investigation. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report expected in 12 to 24 months.

What is the current status of the airport?

Bangor International Airport remains closed until at least noon on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to facilitate the investigation and recovery operations. The airport is expected to reopen to air traffic at that time.