6 killed in Maine airport crash, updated FAA report states

The updated FAA report indicates four passengers and two flight crew members died in the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash at Bangor International Airport.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31am

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its report on the plane crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine, stating that four passengers and two flight crew members were killed when a Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crashed as it was taking off on Sunday evening. The initial FAA report had stated that seven passengers died, but officials disputed that and said the flight manifest indicated there were only six people on board, all of whom were presumed dead. The updated FAA report confirms there were no survivors.

Why it matters

This crash is one of the deadliest plane incidents in Maine's history, highlighting the risks of private jet travel and the importance of proper safety protocols, especially in challenging winter weather conditions. The FAA had previously issued a directive about the Bombardier Challenger 600's sensitivity to ice and cold weather, raising questions about whether that played a role in this accident.

The details

The Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet crashed as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport around 7:45 pm on Sunday. The plane came to rest inverted and caught fire. According to flight records, the FAA had issued a directive in 2008 requiring a specific warning in the flight manual for this model of aircraft, citing concerns about its sensitivity to ice, frost, and slush during takeoff in cold weather conditions. It is not yet known if that history played a role in this crash, which occurred during a winter storm with heavy snow and freezing fog.

  • The plane crash happened around 7:45 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
  • The FAA issued a directive in 2008 about cold weather risks with the Bombardier Challenger 600 model.

The players

Bombardier Challenger 600

The model of private jet that crashed at Bangor International Airport. The FAA had previously issued a directive about this aircraft's sensitivity to ice and cold weather conditions during takeoff.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency that oversees and regulates civil aviation. The FAA initially reported seven fatalities in the crash but later updated its report to state that four passengers and two flight crew members were killed.

Bangor International Airport

The airport in Bangor, Maine where the private jet crashed during takeoff on Sunday evening.

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What they’re saying

“There were planes landing and departing around that time and we had crews on site responding to the ongoing storm that we had. We have crews on site that respond to storms and we prepare for this on a regular basis. This is normal for us, to deal with weather events, and we had crews on site to address the weather event that we had ongoing.”

— Bangor International Airport Director

“In an airline, there's a big structure around the decision to de-ice the airplane and all the people who are necessary for doing that, you know, a private aircraft situation. This is a Challenger 650 private jet, a fairly new one. That responsibility rests entirely on the shoulders of the captain to make sure it's done and done right.”

— Aviation Expert

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are both investigating the crash, and will be looking into factors like the pilot's background, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the weather conditions at the time. The NTSB is asking any witnesses or those with relevant surveillance footage to come forward.

The takeaway

This tragic crash at Bangor International Airport highlights the risks and responsibilities involved in private jet travel, especially in challenging winter weather. It raises important questions about aircraft safety protocols, pilot training, and the oversight of private aviation operations to prevent future accidents and loss of life.