In brief
On Sunday night, a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine, killing all six people aboard. The plane was reportedly en route to Paris when it flipped and caught fire shortly after takeoff, around the same time a winter storm began affecting the area. The NTSB is currently investigating the circumstances of the crash, with initial inquiries focusing on potential ice accumulation on the wings, a known issue with this aircraft model. Among the victims was Shawna Collins, a well-regarded event planner at Lakewood Church in Houston.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began its investigation on Tuesday into a tragic plane crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine, which claimed the lives of all six people on board.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 was preparing for takeoff bound for Paris when it flipped over and caught fire around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, coinciding with the onset of a massive winter storm affecting the region. Investigators are unsure if adverse weather conditions contributed to the crash.
Experts indicated that ice accumulation on the wings, a problematic factor for this aircraft model in previous incidents, will likely be a central element of the investigation. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft crashed “under unknown circumstances” and ended up inverted.
The crash victims include a pilot and an event planner
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maine is currently working to identify the individuals who lost their lives in the incident. Among the victims was Shawna Collins, a devoted employee of Lakewood Church in Houston.
Collins oversaw customer service at the church and was well-known in her community, with a reputation for her excellent event planning skills.
Collins was involved in organizing high-profile events and was preparing for her daughter's wedding this year. A registered agent of the plane's ownership is linked to the law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers, although they have yet to comment on the crash.
A relative confirmed that Jacob Hosmer, a 47-year-old licensed flight instructor, was the pilot at the time of the crash. Bangor International Airport is a common refueling stop for private jets traveling to Europe.
As the investigation continues, the NTSB anticipates providing updates, with an initial report expected within a month but the final findings taking over a year to publish due to thoroughness required in aviation crash investigations.
History of icing problems with these planes
The Challenger 600 model has a historical link to issues regarding icing during takeoff, with previous incidents leading to deadly outcomes, underscoring the importance of meticulous pre-flight checks and de-icing procedures.
The NTSB will undoubtedly examine all variables involved as they seek to understand what led to this heartbreaking accident.
