Deadly Maine Plane Crash Hampered by Winter Weather

Federal investigation into Bangor airport incident that killed 6 faces delays due to snow and cold temperatures.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The federal investigation into the crash of a private jet that killed six people at Bangor International Airport in Maine has been significantly hampered by extreme winter weather, including deep snow that has blanketed the scene and covered the burned wreckage, the airport's director said. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have joined state and local authorities at the crash site, but their work has been slowed by the harsh conditions.

Why it matters

The deadly plane crash at Bangor International Airport raises concerns about the challenges of conducting investigations in remote areas during severe winter weather. The incident also highlights the risks that pilots and passengers can face when flying in hazardous conditions, even at relatively small regional airports.

The details

The Paris-bound luxury jet had stopped to refuel amid light snow, mild winds and near-zero temperatures as a massive storm began to reach Bangor. Another plane had just aborted takeoff, radioing to the tower that they chose not to fly because visibility wasn't great and they would need more deicing. The Bombardier Challenger 600 had gone through a standard deicing process before proceeding to the runway, but the airport has not answered questions about exactly what time the plane was treated and how long the treatment was expected to be good for.

  • The crash occurred on Sunday night.
  • The snow eventually accumulated to about 9.5 inches, but it was only beginning at the time of the crash.

The players

Jose Saavedra

The director of Bangor International Airport, who said the investigation has been hampered by extreme weather conditions.

Shawna Collins

A 53-year-old longtime employee of Lakewood Church in Houston, who was among the six victims killed in the crash.

Jacob Hosmer

The 47-year-old pilot whose death was confirmed by his family, though they declined to comment further.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The federal investigation into the crash of a private jet that killed six people at Bangor International Airport has been hampered by extreme weather, the airport's director said Wednesday, including deep snow that has blanketed the scene and covered the burned wreckage.”

— Jose Saavedra, Airport Director

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration will continue their investigation into the cause of the crash, but their work has been significantly slowed by the severe winter weather conditions at the remote crash site.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the unique challenges that investigators can face when trying to determine the causes of plane crashes that occur in remote, harsh winter environments. The extreme weather has delayed the probe, highlighting the need for specialized equipment and procedures to handle such situations effectively.