Six killed in private jet crash at Bangor airport

Victims include a Texas event planner and a Hawaii chef, as investigators probe weather and previous issues with the aircraft model

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:31am

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A private jet crashed on takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night, killing all six people on board. The victims included a Texas woman who had been planning her daughter's wedding and a chef from Hawaii. Investigators are looking into whether weather conditions or issues with the Bombardier Challenger 600 model jet played a role in the accident.

Why it matters

Private jet crashes are relatively rare, but this incident raises questions about the safety of the Bombardier Challenger 600 model, which has been involved in at least two previous crashes related to ice accumulation on the wings. The victims' backgrounds also highlight the human toll of such tragedies, with the Texas woman planning a major life event and the Hawaii chef known for his kindness and generosity.

The details

The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was headed from Houston to Paris when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport. The six victims included the corporate pilot recently hired by the Texas law firm that owned the plane, and an event planner who had worked with the firm before. Other victims were identified as a longtime employee of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston and a chef from Hawaii. Investigators are looking into whether ice buildup on the wings or other weather factors may have contributed to the crash, as this model has been involved in similar incidents in the past.

  • The plane crashed around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2026.
  • The NTSB began its investigation on Tuesday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Shawna Collins

A 53-year-old event planner and longtime employee of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, who was among the victims.

Jacob Hosmer

The 47-year-old corporate pilot who had recently been hired by the Texas law firm that owned the plane.

Nick Mastrascusa

A father of three, coach, friend and chef from Hawaii who was also killed in the crash.

Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers

The Houston-based personal injury law firm that owned the plane and had previously worked with event planner Shawna Collins.

Bombardier Challenger 600

The model of private jet that crashed, which has been involved in at least two previous incidents related to ice accumulation on the wings.

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What they’re saying

“This incident 'should never have happened.' There were two previous incidents over the last 20 years. I'm not sure that makes a pattern. I think the bigger pattern that we would want to look at is the deicing issues in general, meaning that there have been other aircraft that have had deicing problems.”

— Steven Marks, Attorney, Podhurst Orseck

What’s next

The NTSB said it would provide an update on the investigation on Wednesday, January 31, 2026. A preliminary report outlining the facts of the crash should be released in about a month, but the final version likely won't be published for more than a year.

The takeaway

This tragic crash highlights the importance of addressing any safety issues with the Bombardier Challenger 600 model, which has been involved in previous incidents related to ice buildup. It also underscores the human toll of such accidents, with the victims including a beloved church employee, a dedicated chef, and a professional who was helping plan a joyous family event.