6 Dead in Plane Crash at Bangor Airport

FAA updates report, says 4 passengers and 2 crew members killed in private jet crash

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its report on the plane crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine, stating that six people were killed when a private Bombardier Challenger 600 jet crashed as it was taking off on Sunday evening. The initial FAA report had stated seven passengers died, but officials in Bangor disputed that, saying the flight manifest indicated there were only six people on board, and all six were presumed dead. The updated FAA report confirms four passengers and two flight crew members were killed in the crash, which occurred during a winter storm with heavy snow and poor visibility.

Why it matters

Plane crashes are always tragic events that raise questions about aviation safety, especially when they occur in poor weather conditions. This crash at Bangor International Airport is one of the deadliest in Maine's history, highlighting the risks and challenges of private jet travel during inclement weather.

The details

The private jet crashed around 7:45 pm on Sunday as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport. The Bombardier Challenger 600 came to rest inverted and caught fire. While the FAA's initial report stated seven passengers died, officials in Bangor disputed that, saying the flight manifest showed six people on board, and all six were presumed dead. The FAA has now updated its report to confirm four passengers and two flight crew members were killed. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the plane was taking off during a winter storm with heavy snow and poor visibility at the airport.

  • The plane crash occurred around 7:45 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
  • The FAA updated its report on the crash on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Bangor International Airport

The airport where the deadly plane crash occurred on Sunday evening.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency that oversees and regulates civil aviation, which has issued reports on the plane crash.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The independent U.S. government agency that investigates civil transportation accidents, including the Bangor plane crash.

Arnold & Itkin

A Houston-based personal injury law firm that owned the private jet involved in the crash.

Tara Arnold

The wife of Kurt Arnold, a founding partner of the Arnold & Itkin law firm, who was killed in the plane crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My heart hurts for them and their children and their families. This is just a tragedy and in particular Tara, she is just a phenomenal person, a bold leader and somebody who had a heart of service.”

— Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner

What’s next

The FAA and NTSB have both confirmed they are investigating the crash, and investigators from those agencies were expected to arrive at the Bangor airport on Monday to begin their work. The NTSB is asking any witnesses or people with relevant surveillance footage to contact them.

The takeaway

This tragic plane crash at Bangor International Airport highlights the risks and challenges of private jet travel, especially in poor weather conditions. The investigation will focus on the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment to determine the cause of the accident and any potential safety issues that need to be addressed.