Six Killed in Maine Plane Crash Worked for Luxury Travel Startup

The victims were flying to France's Champagne region to scout a new destination for high-net-worth clients.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Six people were killed in a fiery plane crash in Maine as they were flying from Houston to France's Champagne region to scout a new travel destination for high-net-worth clients of a luxury travel startup led by a Texas lawyer. The victims included an acclaimed chef, a sommelier, and an event planner who worked for the startup's founder, Tara Arnold.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the risks faced by private jet travel and the challenges of operating a high-end travel business catering to wealthy clients. It also sheds light on the growing trend of luxury travel startups targeting the ultra-affluent market.

The details

The small Bombardier Challenger 600 jet flipped on the runway during takeoff from Bangor International Airport as a snowstorm moved in on January 25th. The plane burst into flames, killing all six people on board. In addition to Arnold, the victims included sommelier Shelby Kuyawa, pilots Jacob Hosmer and Jorden Reidel, event planner Shawna Collins, and chef Nick Mastrascusa.

  • The plane crashed on January 25, 2026 as it was taking off from Bangor International Airport.
  • Arnold and her team were flying from Houston to France's Champagne region to scout a new travel destination for their high-net-worth clients.

The players

Tara Arnold

A 46-year-old Houston lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the luxury travel startup Beyond.

Shelby Kuyawa

A 34-year-old master sommelier who had worked at high-end properties in Hawaii and Vail, Colorado.

Jacob Hosmer

A 47-year-old pilot who had recently joined Arnold & Itkin, the personal injury law firm co-founded by Arnold's husband.

Nick Mastrascusa

A 43-year-old executive chef from Hawaii who had overseen restaurants at The Four Seasons and other resorts.

Shawna Collins

A 53-year-old event planner from Houston who had planned parties for Arnold's law firm and family.

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What they’re saying

“Nick loved life. He embraced it with joy, humor, compassion, and soul. He believed in connection — in gathering people together, in shared meals, stories, laughter, and simply being there for one another.”

— Jorge Mastrascusa, Father of Nick Mastrascusa

“Everybody loved her. She just had that kind of personality.”

— Donald Iloff Jr., Spokesperson, Lakewood Church

“To know Jake, as he was so affectionately called, was to know love, kindness, hospitality and true friendship. He had the kind of laugh that made you laugh just hearing it.”

— GoFundMe Post (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the crash, likely focusing on whether ice accumulation on the wings prevented the plane from getting airborne.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the risks and challenges of operating private jet travel and high-end luxury travel businesses catering to wealthy clientele. It also highlights the human toll when such accidents occur, with the loss of several talented professionals in the hospitality and travel industries.