BGR Open at Noon Thursday, Accident Investigation Continues

BGR Open at Noon Thursday, Accident Investigation Continues

Contact:

BGR Marketing Manager Aimee Thibodeau; 207-735-4068; [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1.29.26

Bangor, ME (Jan. 29, 2026) - Bangor International Airport (BGR) has reopened as of noon today.

Overnight, the aircraft was relocated to a secure location where the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will continue its investigation.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NTSB investigators remain on site continuing their investigation into Sunday night's accident.

Airport officials continue to defer to federal investigators regarding specific details of the investigation and will focus on the necessary work to reopen the airport and resumes regular operations.

NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. As part of this process, investigators will gather the following information and records:

• Flight track data

• Recordings of any air traffic control communications

• Aircraft maintenance records

• Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions around the time of the accident

• Pilot's license, ratings and recency of flight experience

• 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected the pilot's ability to safely operate the flight

• Witness statements

• Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation

• Any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras

During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident. They will provide a preliminary report within 30 days with factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash along with any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12-24 months.

Similar to other incidents, initial information is fluid and changes as new and additional details become available. The airport's goal is to provide accurate and verified information, and encourage everyone to be mindful of friends and relatives of the victims as they deserve respect and privacy. The NTSB family liaison remains on site and will continue to assist the victim's families as they navigate this difficult time.

Once the aircraft was relocated, airport crews continued working overnight to plow all taxiways and Runway 15-33. They also prepare all gate areas for air carrier operations.

Airport personnel also inspected ground support equipment to ensure safe and proper operations ahead of reopening. The Airport is coordinating closely with airlines and other stakeholders regarding schedules. While the airport is open, passengers are encouraged to contact their airlines for information regarding impacts to travel plans as some scheduling changes have occurred.

The Airport would like to thank airline partners, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, and all airport tenants for their patience, understanding and support over the last several days, and most importantly airport staff for their commitment and work.

This tragedy is traumatic for all involved. The City of Bangor and the Airport have counseling services available for all first responders, employees, and stakeholders.

Emergency response protocols are part of normal airport operations and Airport employees train for situations like this on a regular basis. The response to Sunday's accident followed BGR's approved Airport Emergency Plan response.