FAA And NTSB Investigate Plane Crash At Bangor International Airport Sunday Night

Emergency crews from across Eastern Maine responded to the Bangor International Airport during a massive snowstorm Sunday night, for the report of a plane that had crashed on a runway and was on fire.

Folks from as far away as Hermon say they could hear an explosion right around 7:45 PM, and felt the ground shake from the impact. The smell of fuel filled the air in the vicinity of the airport.

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According to airport officials, the airport was immediately shut down following the incident, and the public was asked to stay away from the scene.

Officials with Bangor International Airport posted an update Monday morning on their Facebook Page, stating that they expected the airport to be closed until at least Wednesday.

Bangor Police Department's Public Information Officer, Sergeant Jeremy Brock, said the airport remained closed as of Monday morning, and arriving and departing flights have been canceled.

"There are numerous flight cancellations and diversions. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airlines for information regarding impacts to their travel plans.... An Emergency Operations Center has been established."

Sgt. Brock says first responders from several neighboring towns were called in to help.

"Fire and rescue crews from the 101st Maine Air National Guard, and fire units from Bangor, Brewer, Eddington, Glenburn, Hampden, Hermon, Holden, Hudson, Levant, Orono, and Orrington, in addition to Bangor Police and airport personnel, responded to the scene."

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Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration issued this statement following the crash:

"A Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine around 7:45 p.m local time on Sunday, Jan. 25. Eight people were on board."

According to sources, this would have been a luxury private jet, capable of seating 9 to 12 passengers.

The condition of the passengers and crew members on the plane that crashed is unknown at this time.

WABITV and CNN are saying air traffic controllers were heard talking about weather conditions as the plane was taking off.

"...Minutes before the crash, controllers and pilots at the airport can be heard talking about low visibility and deicing, though it is not immediately clear who is talking to whom, according to audio obtained from LiveATC.net. A controller clears the pilot for takeoff on Bangor’s Runway 33. Nearly two minutes later, a controller loudly radios: 'All traffic is stopped on the field! All traffic is stopped on the field!' "

A team from the National Transportation Safety Board is heading to the airport to investigate, along with the FAA. They secure the aircraft, collecting evidence.

"A team of NTSB investigators is currently assembling and is expected to arrive on scene shortly. Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.

NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment."

A news conference is scheduled to take place soon. We will update the story with any new information.