Private Jet Crashed in Maine After Longer-Than-Typical De-Icing Delay, NTSB Says

The plane spent 17 minutes on the runway after de-icing, exceeding the standard 9-minute limit before takeoff.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A private jet that crashed in Maine in January, killing all six people aboard, spent more than the standard amount of time on the runway after de-icing before takeoff, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane should have waited no more than 9 minutes from the start of de-icing, but the NTSB found it waited 17 minutes before taking off.

Why it matters

The longer-than-typical de-icing delay raises questions about the plane's airworthiness and the pilots' decision-making in the moments before the crash. Proper de-icing is critical for flight safety, especially in winter weather conditions.

The details

The NTSB report states that the pilot commented the 14-18 minute wait time was 'standard', and that they would only return to the ramp to deice again if the wait exceeded 30 minutes. However, the FAA guidelines call for no more than 9 minutes from the start of de-icing to takeoff. The plane then crashed shortly after takeoff, landing upside down on the runway and bursting into flames.

  • The plane crashed on January 25, 2026.
  • The NTSB issued its preliminary report on March 6, 2026.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents and incidents.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States.

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What’s next

The NTSB is expected to publish its final report on the crash investigation in over a year.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to de-icing protocols and guidelines, as even minor deviations can have catastrophic consequences, especially in challenging winter weather conditions. The NTSB investigation will likely focus on the decision-making process that led to the extended de-icing delay.