At a Glance
- A Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport.
- The crash killed six people, including pilot Jacob Hosmer and attorney Tara Arnold.
- The incident occurred on January 25 amid Winter Storm Fern.
- Why it matters: The tragedy underscores the importance of aircraft safety and the impact of severe weather on aviation operations.
The fatal plane crash at Bangor International Airport on Sunday, January 25, claimed the lives of six people, including the pilot, a Houston-based attorney, and an event planner.
Crash Details
A Bombardier Challenger 650 was taking off from Bangor International Airport at about 7:45 p.m. local time when it crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the accident in a statement obtained by News Of Los Angeles. The aircraft had arrived from Texas and was registered to a company with a Houston address that also houses the personal-injury law firm Arnold & Itkin.
The FAA’s updated accident notice lists six fatalities. Four were passengers and two were crew members. The initial notice had reported seven deaths and a serious injury, but the later release clarified that all six occupants were deceased. No survivors were transported to a hospital.
An airport release on Monday, January 26, stated: “According to the flight manifest there were six people on the flight. No one from the incident was transported to the hospital, and all on the flight are presumed to be deceased. The identities of the people on the flight are not being released publicly at this time, pending positive identification.”
Victim Identities
| Name | Role | Age | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Hosmer | Captain | 47 | Arnold & Itkin LLP |
| Tara Arnold | Attorney, wife of Kurt Arnold | – | Arnold & Itkin LLP |
| Shawna Collins | Event planner | – | – |
| Two unnamed passengers | – | – | – |
Jacob Hosmer was the pilot and captain of the flight. He was 47 and had been listed as an employee of Arnold & Itkin LLP on LinkedIn since May 2025. His father, Gary, confirmed his death to News Of Los Angeles. A friend who had known Hosmer for 15 years described him as “a great pilot, a loving husband, and a phenomenal father,” adding that he was always kind and always laughing.
Tara Arnold, the wife of Arnold & Itkin co-founder Kurt Arnold, was also on board. Sources told News Of Los Angeles that she was killed in the crash. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, a close friend of the family, expressed her condolences: “I’m close friends with Kurt and Tara Arnold, and we’re still waiting for additional information. Unfortunately, the plane went down (Sunday) evening in Maine, and my heart hurts for them, for their children, and for their families.” She added, “She was a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service.”
Event planner Shawna Collins was another victim. Her daughter told News Of Los Angeles that Collins had spoken to her about the business trip to Europe just before the flight.
Company Connections
The aircraft’s registration is linked to a Houston-based company that shares an address with Arnold & Itkin LLP. While the firm’s founders, Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin, were not on the aircraft, the airline’s operations intersected with the law firm’s business interests.
Arnold & Itkin has not released an official statement about the crash as of Tuesday, January 27.
Airport and Weather Conditions
First responders arrived at the crash site less than a minute after an air-traffic-controller conversation described the aircraft as upside down. Airport director Jose Saavedra said the arrival of first responders was swift, according to the Associated Press.
The plane caught fire after the crash, as noted by the FAA. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear.
Weather played a significant role. Bangor International Airport was experiencing Winter Storm Fern at the time of the accident, with snow falling during the takeoff attempt, as reported by CBS affiliate KHOU and Reuters.
Response and Investigation
The FAA’s confirmation of the crash prompted a formal investigation. The agency’s updated accident notice clarified the number of fatalities and the absence of survivors. The airport’s release emphasized that the identities of the passengers were still pending positive identification.
An audio recording of air-traffic-controller conversation following the crash captured the phrase, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.” This exchange helped prompt the rapid arrival of emergency crews.
The investigation is ongoing, and details about the cause of the crash are not yet available.
Reactions
Gary Hosmer told News Of Los Angeles that his son “is in Heaven now with Jesus.” The emotional impact on the families is evident, as highlighted by Lesley Briones’ remarks.
The community and aviation stakeholders await further information from the FAA and the airline. The tragedy has prompted discussions about the safety of aircraft operations in adverse weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed during takeoff, killing six people.
- Victims included pilot Jacob Hosmer, attorney Tara Arnold, and event planner Shawna Collins.
- The crash occurred amid Winter Storm Fern, with snow falling at the airport.
- The FAA’s updated notice clarified the fatality count and the absence of survivors.
- Arnold & Itkin LLP, linked to the aircraft’s registration, has yet to issue a statement.
- Emergency response was rapid, arriving within a minute of the upside-down aircraft alert.
- The investigation remains open, with details yet to be released.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation and the critical importance of thorough investigations and safety protocols.
