Private Jet Crashed in Maine After Longer-Than-Usual De-Icing Delay

NTSB report says plane spent 17 minutes on runway after de-icing, exceeding guidelines

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A private jet that crashed in Maine in January, killing all six people aboard, spent more than the standard amount of time on a runway after de-icing before takeoff, according to a preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane should have waited no more than nine minutes from the start of the de-icing treatment before taking off, but the NTSB report said 17 minutes passed before takeoff.

Why it matters

The longer-than-recommended time on the runway after de-icing raises questions about the pilots' decision-making and the plane's airworthiness in the wintry conditions. The crash has also highlighted the risks associated with private jet travel, especially in challenging weather.

The details

The NTSB report states that the pilot commented that a 14-to-18-minute wait after de-icing was 'standard', and that they would only return to the ramp for another de-icing if the wait exceeded 30 minutes. The copilot concurred with the pilot's assessment. Several airport CCTV cameras captured the plane's impact with the ground and the subsequent explosions.

  • The plane crashed on January 25, 2026.
  • The NTSB report was issued on March 7, 2026.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents and promoting transportation safety.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States.

Tara Arnold

A 46-year-old Houston lawyer who was one of the four passengers on the ill-fated flight.

Shawna Collins

A 53-year-old Houston event planner who was one of the four passengers on the ill-fated flight.

Jacob Hosmer

A 47-year-old pilot from Pearland, Texas, who was one of the two pilots on the ill-fated flight.

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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 is expected to publish its final report on the investigation in more than a year.

The takeaway

This crash highlights the importance of strict adherence to de-icing protocols and the risks associated with private jet travel, especially in challenging weather conditions. The investigation will likely focus on the pilots' decision-making and the plane's airworthiness.