Six Killed After Private Jet Flips and Explodes During Takeoff in Maine
Six people were killed Sunday evening when a private jet flipped over and burst into flames during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine, authorities confirmed. The aircraft was attempting to depart amid heavy snow from Winter Storm Fern when the crash occurred.
Among the victims was Tara Arnold, a prominent Houston attorney and the wife of elite Texas law firm partner Kurt Arnold, co-founder of Arnold & Itkin LLP. The jet was registered to the firm.
The group was traveling to Paris when the tragedy struck.
A Sudden and Violent Crash
The aircraft, a twin-engine Bombardier Challenger 600, was taking off from a snow-covered runway at approximately 7:45 p.m. when it failed to gain altitude, crashed back onto the runway, flipped upside down, and erupted in flames. All six people on board were killed.
Moments before the crash, radio communications captured an unsettling remark from the cockpit:
“Let there be light.”
The meaning of the statement remains unclear.
Seconds later, air traffic control radioed an emergency response:
“All traffic is stopped on the field!”
“Aircraft upside down — we have a passenger aircraft upside down.”
The airport was immediately shut down and is expected to remain closed through midweek.
Victims Identified
In addition to Tara Arnold, authorities and family members confirmed the deaths of:
Jacob Hosmer, 47, the flight’s captain, a Houston-area pilot who had joined Arnold & Itkin less than a year ago
Shawna Collins, an event planner traveling on business
Three additional passengers whose names have not yet been publicly released
Hosmer’s father confirmed his son’s death, telling reporters, “He’s in Heaven now with Jesus.” Friends described Hosmer as a devoted husband, father, and respected pilot.
A Life of Influence and Service
Tara Arnold, 46, was a Louisiana native and a high-achieving attorney who graduated with high honors from Tulane Law School. She specialized in offshore workplace injury litigation and worked alongside her husband at Arnold & Itkin.
She and Kurt Arnold lived with their two children in an $11 million home in Houston. The Arnold and Itkin families are known for multimillion-dollar donations to Texas Republican causes and the University of Texas Longhorns athletic program, including a reported $40 million pledge.
Texas lawmaker Lesley Briones, a family friend, described Arnold as:
“A phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service.”
Weather and Aircraft History Under Investigation
The jet had landed in Bangor earlier in the evening for refueling after departing Houston and was attempting to take off again when it crashed.
Aviation experts say winter weather may have been a critical factor. Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft have a documented history of takeoff issues in cold conditions, particularly if even small amounts of ice accumulate on the wings.
“If there was any freezing precipitation at all, the wings would have needed to be fully cleared,” said aviation consultant Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB investigator.
“That’s something the NTSB is going to look at immediately.”
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the aircraft was de-iced prior to departure.
Ongoing Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash. No official cause has been determined.
Arnold & Itkin LLP has not issued a public statement and did not respond to media requests for comment.