A private jet registered to a Houston-based entity crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, carrying eight people amid a winter storm, with the runway closed and investigations underway.
Incident Details
- Timing and Location: The Bombardier Challenger 600 (or Challenger 650 per some reports) crashed around 7:45 p.m. ET (6:45 p.m. CT) while departing Bangor International Airport, approximately 200 miles north of Boston.
- Aircraft and Registration: Tail number N10KJ, registered to KTKJ Challenger, LLC, linked to the address of Houston law firm Arnold & Itkin; ownership by the firm is unconfirmed.
- Onboard: Eight people, including six passengers and two crew members.
- Crash Description: The jet overturned or went upside down on the runway shortly after takeoff attempt, less than two hours after arriving from Houston.
Emergency Response and Status
Bangor International Airport confirmed the incident on Facebook, closed the runway, and urged people to avoid the area; it remains shut as of latest reports.
Emergency crews responded immediately, but no updates on injuries, fatalities, or occupant identities have been released.
Weather Context
The crash occurred during a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet to New England; conditions in Bangor included light snow, 2°F temperature, and 3/4-mile visibility.
Nationwide, the storm caused nearly 12,000 flight cancellations and 20,000 delays.
Investigations
The FAA and NTSB have launched a joint probe into causes, potentially including weather, mechanical issues, or other factors; no preliminary findings available.
Sources include FAA statements, FlightAware, LiveATC.net, and ADS-B Exchange.
