BANGOR, Maine (RTW News) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has commenced an investigation into a tragic plane crash at Bangor International Airport, which occurred during takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board.
The business jet, a Bombardier Challenger 600, flipped and caught fire shortly after it began its takeoff towards Paris, France around 7:45 PM on Sunday, coinciding with the onset of a massive winter storm across the region. It remains unclear if weather conditions or icy conditions played a role in the incident as investigations are still ongoing.
Experts state that the NTSB will likely focus on weather conditions, especially the possibility of ice accumulation on the aircraft's wings, which has previously been implicated in similar incidents involving this model. The FAA confirmed that four passengers and two crew members lost their lives in the crash, which occurred under unknown circumstances.
Victims Identified
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maine is currently working to confirm the identities of those who died. Lakewood Church in Houston has confirmed that Shawna Collins, a dedicated employee and event planner, was among the victims. Collins was well-regarded within the community and had previously worked on renowned events across various locations, including Italy and Hawaii.
Additionally, Jacob Hosmer, 47, has been identified as the pilot. He was a licensed flight instructor and the managing member of Platinum Skies Aviation LLC. The firm, connected to the plane's registration, has yet to release a statement on the crash.
As investigators scrutinize the potential causes of the crash, they note the critical importance of de-icing procedures before departure, especially given the weather at the time. Icing problems have historically plagued the Bombardier Challenger 600, leading to fatal accidents in the past.
The NTSB plans to release preliminary findings within a month, although a complete report could take over a year to finalize.
