Private jet that crashed in Bangor had history of cold-weather risks
By Norah Hogan
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BANGOR, Maine (WMTW) — Flight records reviewed by 8 Investigates show the aircraft involved in Sunday’s crash carries a federal warning related to cold-weather operations, according to government records.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a directive in 2008 requiring a specific warning in the flight manual for the Bombardier Challenger 600, citing concerns about winter weather and takeoff safety. The directive followed three incidents in Canada.
According to the FAA, even small amounts of ice, frost or slush on the wings could cause a pilot to lose control of the aircraft during takeoff.
It is not yet known whether that history played any role in Sunday’s crash.
Snow and ice can affect any aircraft, and pilots are not permitted to fly with ice on the wings. However, an aviation expert told 8 Investigates the directive indicates the Challenger model is particularly sensitive to ice and requires extra precautions.
During a news conference on Monday morning, airport leaders said that de-icing operations were underway Sunday evening but did not confirm whether this specific aircraft had been de-iced.
“In an airline, there’s a big structure around the decision to de-ice the airplane and all the people who are necessary for doing that,” said aviation expert John Nance. “In a private aircraft situation — this is a Challenger 650 private jet, a fairly new one — that responsibility rests entirely on the shoulders of the captain to make sure it’s done and done right.”
Nance says it is possible for an aircraft to be de-iced and still accumulate additional buildup while waiting to taxi, particularly during inclement weather. There can also be long waits to de-ice. Nance noted that pilots flying private jets may face pressure from passengers to avoid delays, a challenge commercial airline pilots do not typically encounter.
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