6 people presumed dead after Bombardier Challenger 650 crashes in Maine

(Image Source: Flightaware.com/TurbineTraveler on X)(UPDATE 1/26/2026, 3:30 p.m.)Six people were on the manifest on the 2020 Bombardier Challenger 650 that crashed in Maine on Sunday, according to an updated release from the Bangor International Airport (BGR). Officials said no one from the crash was taken to the hospital, and all six are presumed dead. Earlier reports from the FAA indicated seven people were killed and one crew member was seriously injured in the crash.We will continue to update this story as more information is released. (ORIGINAL REPORT 1/26/2026, 12:30 p.m.)A 2020 Bombardier Challenger 650, carrying eight people, crashed while departing Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine on Sunday. Seven of the passengers were killed, and one crew member is seriously injured, according to a report from the FAA. The report states the aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances, came to rest upside down, and caught fire. The jet, with tail number N10KJ, is registered to KTKJ Challenger LLC, which is affiliated with a Houston-based law firm. The crash happened around 7:45 p.m. local time, as the aircraft was taking off from the airport.Flight data shows that at a distance of 1760 meters past the threshold of runway 33, the aircraft veered right at a ground speed of 152 knots, according to the Aviation Safety Network. Bangor International Airport released a statement on social media confirming multiple emergency crews had responded to the scene, including fire and rescue teams. The airport shut down following the crash, leading to flight cancellations and diversions. Airport officials said it will remain closed until noon on Wednesday. In a news conference Monday afternoon, reporters grilled airport officials, asking why the aircraft was allowed to take off in the first place, given the winter storm. Officials said the airport remained open and there were commercial and private aircraft arriving and departing around the time, as crews on site monitored the storm.Minutes before the crash occurred, Air traffic controllers can be heard in audio obtained by LiveATC.net, asking about visibility limits and deicing. It is unclear who ATC was communicating with at the time. ATC can then be heard clearing a pilot for takeoff. Almost two minutes later, a controller yells, "All traffic is stopped on the field, all traffic is stopped on the field!" "Aircraft upside down, we have a passenger aircraft upside down", another controller can then be heard saying. ATC then announces that the airport is closed and that all crash vehicles are to move as needed on the airfield. Controllers can also be heard speaking with each other about the number of people on the aircraft that crashed. One controller is heard saying 3 crew and possibly 5 passengers were on board. (Source: FAA)A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine around 7:45 p.m local time on Sunday, Jan. 25. Eight people were on board. The FAA and NTSB will investigate.This information is preliminary and subject to change.— The FAA ?? (@FAANews) January 26, 2026 The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. According to the NTSB, investigators will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. The agency said it will collect flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, weather and lighting conditions, the pilot's qualifications and recent flight history, witness statements, electronic devices, and any available surveillance video. The agency is also requesting that witnesses or anyone with relevant video or information contact investigators at [email protected]. RELATED ARTICLES:Transcripts reveal tense final moments before deadly Challenger 604 crashPrivate Citation III crashes into automotive warehouse in MexicoGulfstream jet crashes through fence at Chicago Executive Airport