Pilot Killed in Single-Engine Plane Crash at Bangor International Airport
A single-engine Cessna 185 crashed at Bangor International Airport on Friday, resulting in the pilot’s death. The crash occurred around 1:20 p.m. and marked the first fatal incident in the airport’s history, according to authorities.
The aircraft’s pilot was the sole occupant, Bangor Fire Chief Geoffrey Low confirmed. Emergency crews, including the Air National Guard, responded rapidly to the scene. The runway was closed during the investigation and reopened around 4:30 p.m., impacting several domestic and charter flights.
Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are on-site to probe the incident. Initial reports incorrectly stated the plane was taking off; however, flight tracking data indicated the pilot was attempting to land.
Communications archived by LiveATC.net revealed the pilot received landing clearance at 1:12 p.m. and indicated intentions to conduct a go-around shortly before the crash. Witnesses described seeing the plane gain altitude briefly before hitting the ground.
The Cessna was registered to Southern Aircraft Consultancy, a UK-based company that allows foreign nationals to register aircraft in the U.S. The identity of the pilot has not yet been disclosed.
Authorities are urging anyone with video footage of the crash to share it with Bangor police through the city’s website.
For updates, follow local news sources.