The aircraft was engulfed by fire after the crash.

08:15, Mon, Jan 26, 2026 Updated: 08:30, Mon, Jan 26, 2026

Scene after the plane crashed

A plane crashed in Maine, USA (Image: WABI)

A private jet carrying eight people has crashed just moments after taking off from a busy airport. The incident happened on Sunday night at Maine’s Bangor International Airport, the US Federal Aviation Administration said.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed around 7.45pm local time, and there was no immediate word on the conditions of those aboard. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Chilling audio obtained by CNN reveals pilots and air traffic controllers expressing concern over poor visibility moments before the plane took off.

A controller clears the pilot for takeoff on Bangor’s Runway 33. Almost two minutes later, a controller loudly says: “All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!”

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Moments later, another controller is heard radioing: “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.” Later in the audio, a controller states they are aware of “three crew and possibly five passengers” on board.