Deadly Maine Plane Crash Linked to Deicing Delay

NTSB report suggests 8-minute mistake may have contributed to fatal accident

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that the deadly plane crash at Bangor International Airport on January 25 may have been caused by the aircraft taking off about 17 minutes after deicing, exceeding the recommended 9-minute window. The crash killed all six people on board, including the pilot, co-pilot, and four passengers.

Why it matters

The NTSB findings highlight the importance of following strict deicing protocols to ensure aircraft safety, especially in challenging winter weather conditions. This incident raises questions about the enforcement of FAA guidelines and whether additional training or oversight is needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

According to the NTSB report, the Bombardier Challenger 650 jet attempted to take off about 17 minutes after deicing began, but FAA guidelines state the plane should have waited no longer than 9 minutes. In a cockpit recording, the pilot said 14-18 minutes of holdover time was 'standard,' and the co-pilot agreed they would return to deice if the wait exceeded 30 minutes. However, the jet crashed back to the ground just moments after attempting to take off, sustaining substantial damage.

  • The plane crash occurred on January 25, 2026.
  • The NTSB report was issued on March 6, 2026.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents and issuing safety recommendations.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation, including safety guidelines.

Jordan Hosmer

The 47-year-old pilot from the Houston area who was killed in the crash.

Tara Arnold

One of the four passengers killed in the crash, and the wife of Kurt Arnold, the founder of the personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP.

Jorden Reidel

The 33-year-old second pilot on board the aircraft who was killed in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The NTSB will continue its investigation to determine the official cause of the crash, and the FAA may review its deicing guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the critical importance of strictly adhering to aviation safety protocols, especially in challenging weather conditions. The NTSB findings suggest that even an 8-minute delay in deicing can have catastrophic consequences, highlighting the need for enhanced training, oversight, and enforcement to ensure the highest levels of safety in the skies.