A haunting final phrase from the cockpit of a Bombardier Challenger 650 just moments before it crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport, Maine, is leaving investigators puzzled. The eerie words, “let there be light,” were heard in the plane’s radio communications, leading authorities to believe it may have referred to the airport’s Runway 33, which went from pitch-black to brightly lit after the runway lighting was switched on.

As investigators piece together the events surrounding Sunday’s tragic crash, one thing is certain: the phrase “let there be light” is sending a chill through those looking into what went wrong in the final moments of the flight. The crash, which took place around 7:45 p.m., left behind a trail of questions — and the investigation is just beginning.

The Moment Before the Crash: ‘Let There Be Light’

Minutes before the crash, a voice on the radio uttered the phrase “let there be light.” It remains unclear whether this remark came from one of the pilots or an air-traffic controller, or whether it had any connection to the lighting system on the runway. Aviation experts are now combing through the audio to understand the context of the statement.

There is speculation that the phrase could have been referencing the runway lights being turned on, as Bangor’s Runway 33 was known to have been dark prior to the flight. The timing of the comment, just before takeoff, raises more questions: was the plane ready for takeoff when the lights switched on, or was the comment related to another issue?

The unsettling ambiguity around this phrase is just one piece of the puzzle. With no clear answers, it leaves many wondering if the light was meant to aid visibility or if it pointed to a deeper issue with the flight’s safety protocols or aircraft systems.

A Deadly Takeoff: What Happened on Runway 33?

At approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, the Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet attempted to take off from Bangor International Airport. The plane was en route to a destination, but disaster struck before it could complete the takeoff.

Emergency crews quickly arrived on the scene after the aircraft plummeted near the runway. Fortunately, no one was reported to have survived. Authorities have not released full details regarding the number of passengers or crew on board, though investigations are ongoing.

Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was experiencing issues during the takeoff roll. The jet reportedly struggled as it tried to gain speed on the runway. Investigators are focusing on whether the lighting system, visibility conditions, or another technical failure contributed to the tragic crash.

The Role of Runway Lighting: Timing Is Everything

The lighting system at Bangor’s Runway 33 had been switched on shortly before the crash. While it’s not yet clear if the activation of these lights is directly connected to the crash, it is a crucial factor in the investigation. There’s a possibility that the runway lights being turned on at the last moment may have impacted the pilots’ ability to gauge distance or visibility.

Experts note that Runway 33 is known to be dark at night, so the activation of runway lights could have been a last-minute measure to assist in visibility. However, it remains unclear whether the lights were switched on at the time of takeoff or if this action played a role in the final moments before the crash.

For now, the authorities are examining all available information to determine the exact cause of the crash, including reviewing all radio communications and flight data from the aircraft.

Doorcam Video: A Loud Bang, but No Plane in Sight

Adding to the mystery of the crash is the doorcam footage that recorded a loud bang as the plane crashed. However, the video did not capture the aircraft itself. This raises even more questions about what happened during the takeoff and how the crash occurred.

The doorcam video provides a critical piece of evidence — the loud noise confirms the crash took place but does not give any indication of the aircraft’s position or trajectory. This is further complicating the investigation, as authorities now need to rely on other sources of data, including flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and eyewitness accounts.

As investigators continue to review the available footage and communications, they are also considering the possibility of mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors that could have contributed to the crash.

What Were the Pilots and Air-Traffic Controllers Saying?

The phrase “let there be light” is especially puzzling because of its timing and lack of context. Was the comment intended to request illumination from the runway lights, or was it a statement about something else entirely?

Aviation experts have stated that pilots and air-traffic controllers often use specific phrasing in high-stress situations. They also noted that phrases can sound eerie or alarming if not understood within the full context of the flight’s operations.

However, experts caution that comments made in the cockpit or between the pilots and air-traffic controllers may not always be significant or related to the cause of the crash. The investigation will need to delve deeper into the final moments to understand whether this phrase was an innocent remark or a sign of something more serious.

Search and Recovery Efforts Continue

As search and recovery teams continue to sift through the wreckage, the investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Authorities are examining the flight data to piece together exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.

The crash site has been secured, and teams are working to recover any additional evidence that may be helpful in understanding the cause of the incident. For now, investigators are prioritizing an analysis of the plane’s communication and flight data to pinpoint the specific series of events that led to this tragedy.

Questions About Aircraft Safety Protocols

Given the circumstances, experts are now focusing on whether safety protocols were properly followed during the flight, particularly during takeoff. The situation remains under intense scrutiny, and authorities are under pressure to provide answers to the families and the public.

The fact that the runway lighting system was switched on in the moments leading up to the crash adds to the complexity of the investigation. Authorities are looking into whether any technical glitches may have occurred during the final seconds of takeoff.

What’s Next in the Investigation?

As the investigation continues, authorities have emphasized the need for patience. While some details have emerged, there are still many unknowns about what led to the crash. What exactly happened on that fateful evening at Bangor International Airport? How did the aircraft manage to fail during takeoff despite standard operating procedures? These and many other questions will be addressed as the investigation progresses.

For now, all that is clear is the final, eerie radio transmission: “let there be light.” Until more information becomes available, it remains a chilling reminder of the uncertainties of aviation — and the deadly consequences of a simple, unexplained phrase.