NTSB Releases Preliminary Report Into Bangor, Maine Jet Crashed That Killed Six

The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the Sunday, January 25th crash that claimed the lives of everyone on board a small jet that was destined for Europe.

According to WMTW, NTSB investigators found no evidence of a flight control malfunction or mechanical failure.  Data also shows both engines were producing takeoff power until the flight data recorder stopped.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 650, departed William P. Hobby Airport in Houston at 2:20 PM CST on January 25. The flight was headed to Châlons Vatry Airport in Châlons-en-Champagne, France, with a scheduled refueling stop in Bangor.

After landing in Bangor, the plane was refueled to about 19,872 pounds of fuel.

As you probably remember, snow was falling across Maine that evening, and visibility at the airport was about three-quarters of a mile.  The aircraft was deiced around 7:20 PM, then sat for nearly five minutes before taxiing away from the deicing pad.

During taxi, the cockpit voice recorder shows the crew discussing holdover times for the deicing fluid.

The plane reached runway 33 at 7:40 PM and was cleared for takeoff moments later. Engine power increased at 7:43:57 PM, and the aircraft lifted off within about 30 seconds.

The plane crashed just moments later after only getting a few feet off the ground. Cameras in the area captured the terrifying scene, including multiple explosions after the aircraft hit the ground.

According to the report, the plane veered off the right side of the runway and into the grassy safety area.

Investigators say the debris field stretched about 1,270 feet long and roughly 150 feet wide. The aircraft ultimately came to rest upside down.

Despite the violent crash, the report says the wings were still attached to the fuselage and all of the landing gear remained extended. Investigators also found no evidence that any part of the aircraft, including flight controls or major structural components, separated before impact.

However, the cockpit, passenger cabin, and tail section all showed heavy damage that investigators say is consistent with a prolonged fire after the crash.

The investigation is still ongoing. Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board say they are continuing to examine several areas, including aircraft operations, aircraft performance, flight recorder data, airport operations, survival factors, and human performance.

Aboard the plane, which was reportedly owned by a Texas law firm named Arnold & Itkin, were Tara Arnold, Shawna Collins, Jacob Hosmer, Shelby Kuyawa, Nick Mastrascusa and Jorden Reidel.