A private jet registered to a Houston-based company crashed during takeoff Sunday evening at Bangor International Airport in Maine, overturning on the runway with eight people on board, according to federal aviation officials.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time as a Bombardier Challenger 600 attempted to depart the airport amid winter weather conditions affecting the region.
The aircraft was carrying six passengers and two crew members, the FAA said. Authorities have not released information on injuries or identified those aboard the plane.
Aircraft Registration Details
Air traffic control recordings reviewed by FOX 26 Houston identified the aircraft’s tail number as N10KJ, which matches FAA records for the Bombardier Challenger involved in the crash.
Flight tracking data show the jet departed from Houston earlier Sunday, landed in Bangor, and attempted to take off again less than two hours later. Audio from LiveATC.net later indicated that a passenger aircraft was “upside down on the runway,” prompting airport officials to suspend air traffic operations.
Federal aircraft registry records list the jet as registered to KTKJ Challenger, LLC, a Houston-based company.
Some reports and social media posts have circulated claims linking the aircraft to a Houston law firm based on the address associated with the registration. However, neither the Federal Aviation Administration nor the National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed ownership of the aircraft, and it has not been independently verified whether the company listed on the registration is owned by or affiliated with Arnold & Itkin.
The firm has not publicly commented on the incident, and authorities have not confirmed whether any firm employees were aboard the aircraft.
Investigation Ongoing
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to investigate the cause of the crash. Officials have not indicated whether weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other factors contributed to the incident.
Bangor International Airport temporarily halted operations following the crash. Airport officials have not released details regarding runway damage or when full service will resume.
Authorities said additional information, including the condition of those aboard the aircraft and any official determinations regarding ownership, would be released as the investigation continues.
