Heartbreaking new details have continued to emerge following a tragic private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Bangor.
Maine, on the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2026. The accident, which occurred during a major winter storm.
Claimed the lives of all six people on board and has sparked an ongoing investigation by federal authorities. Officials say a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet, a twin‑engine corporate aircraft, went down just after 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time during what should have been a routine departure for a long‑planned business trip from Houston to Paris, with a scheduled stop in Bangor for refueling.
What Happened on the Night of the Crash
According to preliminary reporting and airport officials, the aircraft — registered as part of an LLC associated with the Houston‑based personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP — had landed safely in Bangor earlier that evening to take on fuel before continuing its trans‑Atlantic journey.
At the time of the crash, Bangor was experiencing heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and winter weather conditions brought by a powerful storm system that had spread across the northeastern United States, significantly impacting visibility and runway conditions.
Air traffic control recordings captured frantic communications during the final moments before the accident.
Controllers and pilots at the airport discussed worsening weather conditions, and a nearby commercial pilot ultimately chose to return to the gate after reporting de‑icing issues and poor visibility.
Shortly after being cleared for takeoff, the Challenger jet appeared to struggle with aerodynamic lift — a hazard that can occur when ice or snow accumulates on wings and tail surfaces — and flipped upside down shortly after leaving the ground or during the takeoff roll.
Multiple dispatches from air traffic control noted an “aircraft upside down” on the runway, followed by an intense fireball.
Fire and emergency crews rushed to the scene, but by the time responders arrived, the jet was fully engulfed, and no survivors were found.
Initially conflicting early reports from some sources suggested a possible survivor, but investigators and airport officials have now confirmed that all six people on board perished in the crash.
The Victims: Remembering Those Lost
The identities and stories of many of those killed have begun to emerge as friends, family, and colleagues mourn an unimaginable loss.
Tara Arnold — Attorney, Community Leader, and Family Person
One of the victims was Tara Arnold, a senior attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP and the wife of Kurt Arnold, one of the firm’s co‑founders. Tara was known in her professional and community circles for her legal expertise, service, and involvement in local civic initiatives.
Friends and local officials remembered her as a “phenomenal person” and a devoted public servant who was deeply engaged in community work in the Houston area.
Friends and local officials remembered her as a “phenomenal person” and a devoted public servant who was deeply engaged in community work in the Houston area.
She is survived by her husband and their children.
Captain Jacob Hosmer — Pilot and Family Man
Also killed in the accident was 47‑year‑old pilot Jacob Hosmer, a Houston native. According to his family and professional profile, Hosmer joined Arnold & Itkin as a corporate pilot roughly seven months earlier, and was described by friends and relatives as a skilled aviator, a devoted husband, and a dedicated father.
His father shared that his son was known for his joyful personality and commitment to his family and profession.
Shawna Collins — Event Planner and Community Fixture
Another victim identified was Shawna Collins, age 53, an event planner based in Houston who also worked closely with local organizations and congregations.
Her daughter confirmed that she was excited about the trip and had looked forward to the travel opportunity. Collin was remembered by friends and coworkers as warm, charismatic and deeply valued in her community.
Nick Mastrascusa — Chef, Executive, and Parent
Nick Mastrascusa, a well‑known chef and hospitality executive, was also identified as a victim. Mastrascusa had an accomplished culinary career and was executive vice president of hospitality for a luxury travel company tied to the Arnold family. He was a father of three and admired within his industry for his talent, kindness, and leadership.
Shelby Kuyawa — Sommelier and Travel Professional
The fifth identified victim was 34‑year‑old Shelby Kuyawa, a sommelier who had connections to the travel and hospitality world and had traveled with Mastrascusa. She was thought to have been part of the same travel itinerary and shared professional ties to the group.
Unidentified Sixth Victim
At the time of reporting, the identity of the final victim has not yet been publicly confirmed, and investigators are continuing the painstaking work of recovery and identification, a process complicated by the intense fire and winter conditions.
Winter Storm Conditions and Safety Concerns
At the time of the crash, Bangor and the wider northeastern region were experiencing a severe winter storm featuring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain that had already caused travel disruptions across the area.
Snowfall was ongoing earlier in the day, and visibility was declining as the storm intensified. Some pilots operating commercial flights elected to return to the gate or cancel departures, citing poor visibility and de‑icing issues, including liquid de‑icing fluid that lost effectiveness.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 — the aircraft model involved in this crash — is a wide‑body business jet that requires clean and uncontaminated wings to produce lift.
Ice or snow accumulation on critical surfaces during takeoff can prevent sufficient lift and significantly increase risks.
While the jet did receive routine de‑icing service before departure, the extreme weather conditions and rapidly falling visibility may have contributed to aerodynamic complications.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have taken the lead in investigating the crash.
The NTSB sent teams to Bangor to begin documenting the wreckage, collecting flight data, reviewing maintenance records, analyzing air traffic control communications, and examining weather data.
Because of the severity of the impact and the ongoing winter storm, the scene remained largely undisturbed for days, covered by snow and foam from firefighting efforts. NTSB officials asked that the site be preserved while their initial work began.
Investigators typically release a preliminary report within about 30 days, with a final conclusive report taking 12–24 months. Over that period, authorities will explore all possible factors, including weather, aircraft condition, pilot decision‑making, and mechanical issues.
In the interim, Bangor International Airport has remained closed since the crash, with officials estimating numerous flight delays and cancellations across the region due to both the storm and the investigation.
Community and National Impact
This crash stands as one of the deadliest general aviation accidents in Maine in decades and has reverberated across multiple communities — from Bangor to Houston and beyond.
Family members, friends, clients, and colleagues of those killed have expressed profound grief, emphasizing the personal and professional legacies of the victims.
Memorials, statements, and support campaigns — including fundraising efforts for survivors’ families — have begun to circulate as people around the world react to the tragedy.
What Comes Next
As the NTSB continues its painstaking work, new details will likely emerge about the specific sequence of events that led to this catastrophic loss of life.
At this stage, authorities are focused on respectful identification of victims, thorough documentation of the crash site, and keeping both the public and victim families informed as facts solidify.
Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of all six victims, and with the communities still reeling from this sudden, devastating event.