AeroMorning March 11, 2026

Source : Preliminary NTSB report:  

https://avbrief.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Report_CEN26FA098_202338_3_6_2026-11_11_47-PM.pdf

On January 25, 2026, a Bombardier CL‑600‑2B16 (Challenger 650) departing Bangor, Maine (N10KJ) for a transatlantic flight experienced a fatal accident shortly after takeoff, killing all six onboard. The preliminary investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) focused heavily on the deicing and anti‑ice timing.

The aircraft was deiced with Type I fluid (de-icing) beginning at 19:19:26 local time, finishing at 19:27:04. Immediately afterward, a Type IV anti‑ice fluid was applied from 19:27:43 to 19:30:55.

According to the weather and conditions at the time (night, light snow, visibility ~¾ mile, temperature −16 °C), the FAA holdover time (HOT) for Type IV anti‑ice under these conditions — as annotated by the NTSB — was 9 minutes measured from the start of the anti‑ice application. This is the maximum period the fluid’s protective effect is expected to remain effective before ice or snow contamination becomes likely.

From the start of Type IV anti‑ice at 19:27:43 to the pilot’s readback of takeoff clearance at 19:43:04, approximately 15 minutes and 21 seconds elapsed. Because the NTSB considers holdover time from the start of the anti‑ice application, this means there was roughly 8 minutes more than the recommended 9‑minute limit before actual takeoff was initiated.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated with flaps at 20° and anti-ice systems engaged. Shortly after rotation, the airplane experienced lateral instability, rolling first slightly left and then rapidly to the right. Stick shakers activated, and the aircraft reached a bank angle of about 77° right-wing-down at very low altitude. Flight data recorded normal engine power, and no mechanical failures were observed.

CCTV and FDR data indicate that the aircraft impacted the ground off the runway, encountering scrape marks and fuel residue, then continued into the grass runway safety area. Multiple explosions and post-impact fire occurred, and debris (winglets, windshield sections, doors, engine components) was scattered over a wide area.