PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet tragically crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport, killing all six occupants on board. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are underway to determine the cause of the accident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m. on a Sunday night coinciding with a massive winter storm affecting the region.
Initial reports indicate the plane may have flipped over and caught fire shortly after takeoff. Investigators will closely examine whether weather conditions, particularly ice formation on the aircraft's wings, contributed to the crash, as this specific model has a history of similar issues.
Among the victims was Shawna Collins, a 53-year-old event planner known for her work with Lakewood Church in Houston and various high-profile clients. Her contributions to the events industry were widely recognized, as she had previously organized numerous gatherings internationally. Additionally, the pilot has been identified as Jacob Hosmer, a licensed flight instructor who co-owned the jet.
Victim identifications are being confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maine, while the NTSB is expected to provide updates in the coming days. There is growing interest in the aircraft's performance amid adverse weather, with a preliminary report on the crash expected to be available within a month.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 has been implicated in past icing-related accidents, emphasizing the need for thorough pre-flight inspections. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community is apprehensive over the potential implications for safety practices involving this aircraft model.
