Small Plane Ends Up Off Runway And Down And Near Airport Fence In Bangor

A small plane, registered to a local flight training and charter company in Penobscot County, ended up off the runway, coming to rest near the fence that runs along the edge of the Bangor International Airport on Oldin Road, Friday afternoon.

It's unclear at the moment if the plane taxied off the runway and into the grass or if it had lifted off the ground and then came back down again, unexpectedly.

Read More: Orrington, Maine Route 15 Accident Explained

According to Airport Marketing Manager Aimee Thibodeau, the incident took place just after 4 PM, prompting Emergency crews to respond to that area.

"Fire and rescue crews from the 101st Maine Air National Guard, Bangor Police and Fire, as well as airport personnel, responded."

"The runway was immediately closed, and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as the National Transportation Safety Board, was notified by the airport. Per FAA and NTSB instructions, airport personnel worked to move the aircraft, and the runway reopened just before 6 p.m."

Thibodeau says no one was injured during the incident, and that four domestic flights were delayed from departing, while four other aircraft destined for Bangor had to be diverted to other locations while the scene was processed and cleaned up.

Authorities say the plane involved was a 1981 Beechcraft C23 Sundowner. According to experts, this is "a 4-seat single-engine plane, known for its roomy cabin and stability."

The N18516 craft was registered to Maine Instrument Flight, located on Maine Avenue in Bangor.

The company's website states that it offers "flight training, charter, FBO services, maintenance, and scenic flights." They work with both the University of Maine at Augusta and independent students.

Thibodeau says the investigation is still ongoing, and no additional details will be released at the moment. We will update the story when more information is available.