The crash occurred around 7:45 pm local time, prompting an immediate emergency response at the airport. Airport authorities confirmed that all flight operations were suspended following the incident, and the facility will remain closed until at least Wednesday noon to allow investigators to examine the site.
According to the FAA, the aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet. Federal aviation records show that the jet was registered to a limited liability corporation based in Houston, Texas. Officials said the aircraft went down shortly after being cleared for takeoff, ultimately coming to rest upside down before erupting into flames.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. “The aircraft crashed for unknown reasons during departure, ended up inverted, and caught fire,” the FAA said in its initial assessment, adding that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Air traffic control audio recordings indicate that weather conditions may have been a factor. At the time of the crash, a severe snowstorm was sweeping across the northeastern United States. Maine was experiencing sub-freezing temperatures, light snowfall, and reduced visibility. Shortly before takeoff, pilots and controllers were heard discussing poor visibility and deicing requirements. The aircraft was cleared for departure from Runway 33.
Less than two minutes later, controllers issued an urgent alert halting all airfield movement. “All traffic is stopped on the field,” a controller was heard saying, followed by another reporting that an aircraft was upside down on the runway.
Emergency vehicles were dispatched immediately, and firefighting teams worked to extinguish the blaze. A controller later indicated that the jet was carrying three crew members and up to five passengers, though authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin.
Airport officials said further details would be shared only after investigators complete on-site assessments. The NTSB is expected to examine flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and weather conditions as part of the probe.
The incident has raised fresh questions about flight safety during extreme winter weather, even as authorities cautioned against drawing conclusions until the investigation is complete.
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