A private jet crashed while taking off from an airport in northern Maine over the weekend, killing seven people and seriously injuring one, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The fiery crash occurred at 7:45 p.m. local time on January 25, as the plane was departing from Bangor International Airport, the FAA said. Authorities did not immediately confirm the identities of the dead and injured.
However, a preliminary federal report reviewed by USA TODAY says the injured were members of the flight crew. The remaining seven people who died are listed as passengers.
The report said the plane “crashed under unknown circumstances upon takeoff, flipped over, came to a stop and burst into flames.” Federal investigators have not been able to reach the crash site as they face heavy snow and ice from a winter storm across the region.
The National Transportation Safety Board on January 26 identified the aircraft as a Bombardier CL 650 (previously branded Bombardier CL 600).
NTSB spokeswoman Sarah Taylor Surrick told USA TODAY on January 26 that it could be at least another day before the team arrives at the scene to investigate. The airport is located in Bangor, about 130 miles northeast of Portland.
“Given the location of the investigators assigned to this case, even without snow, they probably would not have been able to get to the scene by Monday morning,” Suric said. “However, due to the weather, the estimated arrival time is likely to take longer.”
Few other details about the crash, including where the plane was flying, have been released. Here’s what we know so far:
Bangor International Airport remains closed
Airport Director Jose Saavedra told reporters at a press conference on January 26 that the facility would remain closed until further notice.
He said first responders, including the Bangor Fire Department, arrived on the scene within a minute of the accident. Saavedra declined to say where the plane was going or who was on board.
“We are awaiting guidance and support from our federal partners before issuing any additional statements so as not to impede the investigation,” Saavedra said.
He told reporters that a plane had taken off and landed at the airport shortly before the incident.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this incident and ask that you continue to respect the privacy of those involved,” Saavedra said.
Where was the plane heading?
It was not immediately clear where the plane was headed. However, data from aviation tracking website FlightRadar24 published on X showed the plane arrived from Houston.
Who was on the plane that crashed?
The FAA said there were eight people on board the plane at the time of the crash. Authorities did not immediately confirm his identity.
What else do we know about this plane?
The aircraft’s registered owner shares a Houston address with the personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin. The plane entered service in April 2020, according to FAA records.
USA TODAY has reached out to Arnold and Itkin for comment.
Who is investigating the plane crash?
In addition to the FAA and NTSB, the Maine State Police is assisting local authorities with the investigation.
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.
