Seven people were killed and one crew member seriously injured after a private business jet crashed during take-off amid a snowstorm at Bangor International Airport, US aviation authorities said.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying eight people, went down shortly after departure at around 7.45 pm on Sunday. The aircraft flipped over and caught fire on the airfield during the attempted take-off as heavy snowfall reduced visibility.

Aircraft flipped and caught fire

Federal authorities and air traffic control recordings indicated that the jet overturned moments after being cleared for take-off. An air traffic controller can be heard saying, “Aircraft upside down,” within seconds of the incident. First responders reached the site in under a minute, airport officials said.

The sole survivor, a crew member, was hospitalised with serious injuries. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, with officials saying this will be handled by local authorities.

Probe launched by federal agencies

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA have launched a joint investigation. The NTSB said preliminary information suggests the plane crashed on departure and suffered a post-crash fire. Investigators are expected to arrive at the site in the coming days.

Airport director Jose Saavedra said the airport was closed immediately after the crash and will remain shut until at least Wednesday noon to allow investigators to work safely.

Storm disrupts air travel nationwide

The crash occurred as a massive winter storm swept across New England and much of the eastern United States, dumping snow, sleet and freezing rain. Although Bangor Airport routinely handles winter conditions, officials acknowledged that weather played a role in the wider disruption.

Across the US, nearly 12,000 flights were cancelled on Sunday and close to 20,000 delayed, according to flight tracking data.

The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a popular wide-bodied business jet used for charter flights and corporate travel.