The tragic private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, claimed the lives of six people aboard a Bombardier Challenger 600 (sometimes referred to as Challenger 650 in reports) bound for Paris, France. The incident occurred amid Winter Storm Fern, a massive historic snowstorm battering the northeastern U.S., with heavy snowfall, near-zero temperatures, poor visibility, and challenging runway conditions.

The aircraft, registered to an address connected with the prominent Houston-based personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP, had originated from Houston, Texas, and stopped in Bangor for refueling and de-icing services before attempting takeoff around 7:45 p.m. local time. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports and air traffic control audio, the jet flipped inverted during departure, crashed, and erupted into flames, resulting in no survivors among the six on board (four passengers and two crew members).

Victims Identified

The victims included a mix of professionals tied to luxury travel, hospitality, law, and aviation:

Tara Arnold, 46, a top lawyer and wife of Arnold & Itkin co-founder Kurt Arnold. She was leading the trip as part of her new luxury travel venture called “Beyond.”
Shawna Collins, 39 (or reported as 53 in some sources), an event planner who worked with Tara Arnold’s luxury travel business and was also employed by Lakewood Church in Houston.
Jacob Hosmer, 47, the pilot (a corporate pilot new to the firm in some accounts).
Nick Mastrascusa, 43, an award-winning executive chef and sommelier from Hawaii, who most recently served as Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at Discovery Land’s Kūkiʻo Golf and Beach Club on the Big Island. He oversaw multiple restaurants and an exclusive wine program.
Shelby Kuyawa, 34, a star sommelier and wine expert, identified as the fifth victim in recent reports. She was traveling alongside Mastrascusa.
The sixth victim has not been publicly named in all sources, though the group included two crew members.

The passengers were reportedly part of a “girls’ trip” or scouting expedition for Arnold’s luxury travel company “Beyond,” aimed at touring stunning French locations such as chateaus for high-end travel experiences.

The “Strange” Reason for Flying During the Storm

Sources close to the passengers told the Daily Mail that the group was determined to reach Paris for time-sensitive scouting and planning related to the launch or development of the luxury travel business. Despite the worsening weather from Winter Storm Fern—which caused widespread travel chaos, low visibility, and repeated de-icing needs for other aircraft—the flight proceeded after refueling. One theory explored in reports involves potential vulnerabilities in the Bombardier Challenger model’s wings or performance in icy conditions, though the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation is ongoing and hampered by deep snow covering the wreckage.

Air traffic control recordings captured pilots from other planes discussing hazardous conditions, with one noting visibility drops and concerns about proceeding. The airport remained open, but the storm’s intensity contributed to the tragedy.

Ongoing Investigation

The NTSB and FAA are leading the probe, with efforts delayed by extreme weather. Early focus includes possible icing, de-icing effectiveness, takeoff procedures in snow, and the aircraft’s history in cold/icy environments. No final cause has been determined, but the crash highlights risks of winter operations even for well-equipped private jets.

This devastating event has left families, colleagues, and the luxury hospitality community in mourning, underscoring the unpredictability of travel during severe weather. Our thoughts are with all those affected.