Top Hawaiian chef and dad of three killed in Maine plane crash

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A top Hawaiian chef and father of three young children, Nick Mastrascusa, has been identified as one of the six occupants killed when a private jet crashed and burst into flames in Maine on Sunday. Mastrascusa was the executive vice president of hospitality for a luxury travel company and was remembered for his kindness, dedication, and generosity. The private jet, owned by the Houston-based Arnold & Itkin law firm, crashed shortly after takeoff from Bangor International Airport amid a powerful snowstorm.

Why it matters

The tragic plane crash has shaken the local community and raised questions about the safety of private air travel, especially during inclement weather conditions. Mastrascusa was a respected chef and hospitality executive who leaves behind a grieving family, highlighting the human toll of such disasters.

The details

The Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet, which can seat up to 11 people, crashed back onto the runway and exploded after taking off on the snowy runway, killing everyone on board. Tara Arnold, 46, pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, and event planner Shawna Collins have also been identified as victims. Two other victims have yet to be named. A moment before takeoff, an eerie voice was heard over the flight's radio communications saying, 'Let there be light,' although it's unclear what that meant.

• The private jet crashed around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2026.
• NTSB investigators arrived on the scene on Tuesday, January 30, 2026 to begin their probe.

What’s next

Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the plane crash, including analyzing the aircraft's black box data and examining weather conditions at the time of the incident.