This article summarizes reporting by NBC Boston and Marc Fortier, alongside data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities.

Challenger 600 Jet Crashes During Takeoff at Bangor International Airport Amidst Winter Storm

A private Bombardier Challenger 600-series jet crashed during a takeoff attempt at Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine on the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2026. The incident, which occurred amidst a severe winter storm affecting the Northeast, prompted an immediate and large-scale emergency response.

According to reporting by NBC Boston, the crash took place at approximately 7:45 p.m. ET. First responders and airport officials immediately closed the airfield to manage the scene. While specific casualty numbers have not been officially confirmed by authorities as of Monday morning, the incident is described as severe, with reports indicating the aircraft overturned and caught fire upon impact.

The aircraft, identified in preliminary reports and FAA records as registration N10KJ, was carrying eight people, six passengers and two crew members, at the time of the accident. The jet had reportedly stopped in Bangor for refueling while en route from Houston, Texas, to a destination in Europe.

Incident Details and Emergency Response

The sequence of events began shortly after the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on Runway 33. Preliminary data suggests the jet failed to gain altitude properly during its takeoff roll. Witnesses and first responders described the aircraft as flipping over or landing upside down, followed by a significant fire that complicated initial rescue efforts.

In a statement cited by NBC Boston, airport officials confirmed the timeline of the event:

“At approximately 7:45 p.m. there was an incident involving a single aircraft that was departing from BGR. First responders are still on scene… The airport is closed.”

Bangor Police and airport operations teams worked through the night, with the runway remaining closed to all incoming and outgoing traffic. Flights scheduled to arrive at BGR were diverted or canceled as the investigation and recovery operations commenced.

Environmental Factors: Severe Winter Conditions

The crash coincided with a major winter storm system moving through Maine. At the time of the accident, meteorological data indicated freezing temperatures hovering around 2°F, steady snow, and low visibility of approximately three-quarters of a mile.

Air traffic control audio recordings reviewed by aviation analysts suggest that the flight crew and controllers discussed de-icing procedures and visibility constraints shortly before the takeoff attempt. These environmental factors are expected to be a primary focus of the subsequent investigation by federal authorities.

AirPro News Analysis: Aircraft Ownership and Background

While authorities have not released the identities of the passengers, AirPro News has reviewed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registry data regarding the aircraft involved.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 series (specifically identified in some reports as a Challenger 650) bearing registration N10KJ is registered to KTKJ Challenger LLC. The principal address listed for this LLC corresponds to the headquarters of Arnold & Itkin LLP, a prominent personal injury law firm based in Houston, Texas. The firm is well-known for representing plaintiffs in high-profile maritime and industrial accident cases.

It remains unconfirmed whether partners or staff from the firm were on board the aircraft. The jet had arrived in Bangor from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston earlier that Sunday.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched formal investigations into the crash. An NTSB “Go Team” is expected to arrive on-site to begin forensic analysis of the wreckage, flight data recorders, and cockpit voice recorders.

Bangor International Airport serves as a common technical stop for private and military aircraft crossing the Atlantic due to its long runway and strategic location. However, this incident highlights the inherent risks of flight operations during severe winter weather conditions.

Updates regarding the condition of the passengers and crew are expected as local authorities and the NTSB release further information.

Sources

• NBC Boston
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Registry
• Bangor International Airport Official Statements