Challenger 650 Crash at Bangor Airport Kills Six During Takeoff

A Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed inverted and caught fire during takeoff from Bangor International Airport on Jan. 25, 2026, killing all six occupants. The aircraft, registration N10KJ, was owned by KTKJ Challenger LLC and operated for Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin.

The jet had refueled in Bangor while en route from Houston's William P. Hobby Airport to Châlons Vatry Airport near Paris. The National Transportation Safety Board arrived Jan. 27 but weather conditions delayed the start of their investigation by more than 38 hours. A preliminary report from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association cites the delay between de-icing and takeoff as a potential critical factor.

The airport remained closed from Sunday night until Jan. 29 due to wreckage recovery operations and heavy snowfall. The crash marks Maine's deadliest aviation accident since 1985 and has intensified scrutiny of winter operations and de-icing procedures. The NTSB continues its investigation with no final report timeline announced.