Fatal Challenger 650 Crash in Maine Claims Six

NTSB and FAA officials are en route to Maine to investigate a fatal accident involving a Bombardier Challenger 650, which crashed last night while taking off from Bangor International Airport (KBGR). A  Bangor police department spokesman told AIN that the manifest listed six people aboard and all are presumed dead.

Owned by Houston-based LLC KTKJ Challenger, the large-cabin jet attempted to take off around 7:45 p.m. in freezing, low-visibility conditions due to the snowstorm that blanketed most of the U.S. Northeast. According to reports, the twinjet veered right as it departed 11,440-foot Runway 33 at a ground speed of 152 knots. It then flipped over and caught fire on impact.

The pilots apparently requested and received Type I and Type IV deicing just minutes before its attempted takeoff. Once the NTSB's on-site investigators arrive, they will document the scene and examine the aircraft. The wreckage will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation. A preliminary accident report is expected to be released by the agency within 30 days.

KBGR will remain closed today, with the intention of reopening tomorrow morning.