Emergency services were called to a devastating scene at Bangor International Airport in Maine on 25 January 2026, where a private jet crashed shortly after takeoff during a snowstorm, resulting in the tragic loss of all six individuals on board.
Victims Identified in Fatal Incident
The victims of the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash have been identified, revealing a group of professionals from Houston, Texas. Among those killed was Tara Arnold, a respected attorney based in Houston who was married to Kurt Arnold, a co-founder of the Arnold & Itkin Law Firm, which owned the private aircraft.
Community Mourns Loss of Public Servant
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, a close friend of the Arnold family, expressed profound grief over the incident. "I'm close friends with Kurt and Tara Arnold and we're still waiting for additional information," Briones stated. "Unfortunately, the plane went down on Sunday evening in Maine, and my heart hurts for them, for their children, and for their families."
Briones went on to describe Tara Arnold as a dedicated public servant and community leader, highlighting her involvement in local nonprofit initiatives. "She was a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service," she added, emphasising the deep impact of her loss on the community.
Other Victims Remembered
Another victim was Shawna Collins, a Houston-based event planner whose daughter shared that Collins had been looking forward to the business trip to France. The pilot, 47-year-old Jacob Hosmer, was also among those killed. His father, Gary Hosmer, told media outlets, "He's in heaven now with Jesus," while a friend remembered him as a skilled aviator and loving family man.
Investigation Underway into Crash Causes
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation, with early findings indicating the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and subsequently caught fire. Airport director Jose Saavedra reported that first responders arrived at the scene in under a minute following the crash and fire outbreak.
Air traffic control audio captured a distressing message approximately 45 seconds after takeoff clearance, with a voice stating, "Aircraft upside down – we have a passenger aircraft upside down." The NTSB has stated it will withhold further details until investigators can thoroughly examine the site.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through both the Maine and Houston communities, highlighting the dangers of aviation during severe weather conditions and leaving families and colleagues mourning the sudden loss of cherished individuals.
