One of the leading plane crash theories regarding the tragic private jet incident in Maine has emerged.
Investigators are now focusing on ice contamination on the wings as a leading cause of the tragedy that served as a hidden hazard, which could have turned an otherwise routine takeoff into a deadly catastrophe.
Even tiny amounts of ice, frost, slush, and frozen precipitation stuck to a wing's surface could dramatically reduce lift during takeoff.
Jets are said to rely on smooth airflow across the wings, and if that airflow is disrupted by ice, a stall could arise as the plane is trying to leave the ground.
If one wing stalls before the other, the plane could suddenly yaw, roll, or flip under the pilot's feet.
In heavy winter conditions such as those seen in Bangor on that night, snow and freezing fog could be present as well. As it is, temperatures were said to be below freezing. All six people on board were killed in the crash.