Tragedy At Bangor: Houston-Based Private Jet Crashes During Winter Storm

BANGOR, MAINE—A high-stakes legal team from Houston is believed to be at the center of a chilling aviation disaster in Maine. On Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet crashed shortly after lift-off at Bangor International Airport (BGR), amid a brutal winter storm that has paralyzed much of the Northeast.

While official casualty counts are still being processed by the NTSB, early reports from first responders suggest a devastating outcome. The aircraft reportedly “stuttered” and “rolled onto its roof” before erupting into a massive fireball on the runway.

1. The Flight and the Owners

The aircraft, registered as N10KJ, is owned by an LLC linked to Arnold & Itkin LLP, a prominent Houston-based personal injury law firm known for winning record-breaking verdicts against major corporations.

• The Route: The jet arrived in Bangor from Houston at 6:09 PM and was attempting to depart for an undisclosed location less than two hours later at 7:45 PM.
• The Passengers: There were eight souls on board (two crew members and six passengers). While the firm hasn’t released a formal statement, local reports indicate the passengers were likely legal staff or associates.

2. Weather: A Deadly Factor?

Investigators are looking closely at the severe weather conditions at the time of the crash.

• The Atmosphere: At 8 PM, the temperature in Bangor was a bone-chilling -16°C (2°F) with light, heavy-moisture snow.
• Visibility: Visibility was restricted to 3/4 of a mile.
• The Icing Risk: Aviation experts suggest that “wing icing” or “jet wash” from a previous landing (which occurred just moments before the takeoff attempt) could have caused the aircraft to lose lift and roll.

3. Eyewitness & Responder Details

Witnesses near the airport perimeter described a “loud boom” that shook nearby homes.

• The Crash Sequence: According to ADS-B flight data and witnesses, the plane achieved minimal altitude before losing stability. It rotated violently and impacted the ground inverted.
• The Fire: Images from the scene showed a large column of black smoke despite the heavy snowfall. First responders were on the scene within minutes, but the intensity of the post-impact fire made rescue efforts nearly impossible.

Incident Summary: Bangor Crash (Jan 25, 2026)