- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Seven killed, one seriously hurt in Maine private jet crash
Plane flipped and burst into flames during takeoff from Bangor airport
Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:55pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Federal officials confirmed that seven people were killed and one crew member was critically injured after a private business jet crashed and burst into flames while taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening. The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600, flipped upside down on the runway before igniting amid harsh winter weather conditions.
Why it matters
Private jet crashes are relatively rare but can be devastating when they occur, especially when they result in multiple fatalities. This incident raises questions about aviation safety protocols, the role of weather conditions, and the oversight of private air travel.
The details
The crash occurred around 7:45 p.m. as the jet, which had arrived earlier that evening from Houston, attempted to depart less than two hours later. Air traffic control recordings indicated the plane flipped upside down on the runway before igniting, prompting an immediate airport shutdown. Emergency crews reached the wreckage in under a minute, but seven passengers were pronounced dead, while one member of the flight crew survived with serious injuries.
- The crash occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
- The jet had arrived earlier that evening from Houston and attempted to depart less than two hours later.
The players
Bangor International Airport
The airport where the private jet crashed during takeoff.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The federal agency leading the investigation into the crash.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The federal agency providing support to the NTSB in the investigation.
What they’re saying
“We must thoroughly investigate this tragic incident to determine the cause and ensure it does not happen again.”
— Robert Sumwalt, NTSB Chair
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who perished. We are working closely with authorities to provide any assistance needed.”
— Jose Saavedra, Bangor International Airport Director
What’s next
The NTSB has said a preliminary report on the crash is expected within 30 days, while a full investigation could take months to complete.
The takeaway
This tragic private jet crash in Maine highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols and oversight in the aviation industry, especially for private air travel, to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future.
