A serious incident involving a Bombardier Challenger 600 executive jet has led to the closure of Bangor Airport in the United States. The accident occurred on January 25, 2024, at approximately 07:45 local time as the aircraft attempted to take off. According to the airport’s operator, emergency services were deployed immediately to respond to the situation.
First responders remain on the scene and are expected to be actively working at the site for several hours. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the aircraft, registered as N10KJ, was carrying eight occupants at the time of the accident.
Details of the Incident
Air-ground communications documented by LiveATC reveal that the aircraft had received take-off clearance from runway 33 shortly before the incident. The tower controllers reported a runway visual range of over 6,000 feet, with winds coming from the east-northeast at 9 knots, suggesting a right crosswind during take-off.
Just moments after the crew confirmed their clearance, air traffic control reported, “All traffic is stopped on the field.” Subsequently, another communication indicated that “we have a passenger aircraft upside-down.” This confirms that the accident involved the Challenger 600, which had previously flown from Houston to Bangor earlier that day.
Meteorological data from Bangor around the time of the accident indicates wintry conditions, including light snow and temperatures dropping to minus 16°C. Bangor Airport’s runway measures 11,440 feet in length, providing ample space for take-offs and landings.
Airport Closure and Passenger Impact
Bangor Airport’s operator has not released additional information regarding the cause of the accident or the condition of the occupants. In light of the incident, the airport remains closed, resulting in numerous flight cancellations. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates on their travel plans.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available. The FAA is expected to play a significant role in the investigation, ensuring a thorough examination of the events leading to the incident.
