Bangor Plane Crash Wreckage Still Buried Under Snow as Investigation Continues

NTSB investigators arrive on scene to probe fatal business jet crash that killed all 6 on board

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:39am

The wreckage of a fatal plane crash at Bangor International Airport remains on the ground, coated in snow and frozen firefighting foam, more than 60 hours after the disaster that claimed six lives. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are on site to collect evidence and determine the likely cause, though they will not speculate during the on-scene phase.

Why it matters

Plane crashes are rare but devastating events that require thorough investigation to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies. This incident has raised concerns about the Bombardier Challenger 600 model's performance in winter weather conditions.

The details

The upside-down business jet crashed around 7:45 pm on Sunday as it was taking off from the Bangor airport. A massive snowstorm delayed the arrival of NTSB investigators, who began arriving on Tuesday. At least 10 people were seen working around the wreckage on Wednesday morning. The medical examiner's office is working to confirm the identities of the six victims, which include pilot Jacob Hosmer and three others identified by family and friends.

  • The plane crash occurred around 7:45 pm on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
  • NTSB investigators began arriving in Bangor on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • As of Wednesday morning, January 29, 2026, the wreckage remained on the ground at the airport.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents to determine the probable cause and make recommendations to prevent future incidents.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Jacob Hosmer

The pilot of the Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet that crashed in Bangor, killing all six people on board.

Nick Mastrascusa, Tara Arnold, Shawna Collins

Three of the six victims killed in the Bangor plane crash, identified by family and friends.

Bombardier Challenger 600

The model of business jet that crashed in Bangor, which has a history of performance issues in winter weather conditions.

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What’s next

Investigators will continue to collect a wide range of information, including recordings of air traffic control communications, weather forecasts, and aircraft maintenance records, to determine the likely cause of the crash. The medical examiner's office is also working to confirm the identities of the six victims.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of thorough investigation into plane crashes to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies. The performance issues of the Bombardier Challenger 600 model in winter weather conditions will likely be a key focus of the NTSB's investigation.