What happened
On January 25, 2026, a Bombardier CL-600-2B16 (Challenger 650), registration N10KJ, was involved in a fatal accident during takeoff from Bangor International Airport (KBGR) in Maine. The flight was a Part 91 business operation traveling from Houston, Texas, to Châlons-en-Champagne, France, with a scheduled refueling stop in Bangor.
Prior to takeoff, the aircraft underwent deicing and anti-icing procedures. At approximately 19:19 EST, Type I deice fluid was applied, followed by Type IV anti-ice fluid, which concluded at 19:30 EST. At the time of the anti-icing application, the weather featured a temperature of -16°C, light snow, and visibility of 3/4 statute mile.
The flight crew taxied to runway 33 and received takeoff clearance. During the takeoff roll, the flight data recorder (FDR) indicated that the engines were increasing power toward 85% thrust. At 19:44:18 EST, the aircraft reached rotation speed (VR), and the nosewheel transitioned from ground to air. Shortly after, the aircraft experienced a significant roll to the right. The FDR recorded the aircraft's bank angle reaching approximately 77° right-wing-down just before the recording ended.
The aircraft departed the right side of the runway and entered the grass runway safety area. The wreckage debris path, which included the right winglet, windshield sections, and engine parts, spanned approximately 1,270 feet. The aircraft came to rest upside down, and the cockpit and cabin sustained thermal damage from a post-impact fire. The accident resulted in 6 fatal injuries, involving the pilot, copilot, and four passengers.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed ADS-B flight track data, airport CCTV footage, and FBO documentation. The flight data recorder (FDR) showed no evidence of flight control malfunction or engine failure prior to the loss of recording. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured the crew discussing holdover times and the takeoff sequence.
Physical examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of pre-impact separation of any aircraft component, structure, or flight control. The engines remained partially attached to their pylons, and the wings remained attached to the fuselage.