Emergency services were called to the scene of a devastating private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine on 25 January 2026. The Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft, which was bound for France, crashed shortly after takeoff during a severe snowstorm, resulting in the tragic loss of all six individuals on board.
Victims of the Maine Plane Crash Identified
Authorities have now identified several of the victims who perished in the fatal incident. Among those confirmed to have been on the flight were Houston-based attorney Tara Arnold, event planner Shawna Collins, and the plane's pilot, Jacob Hosmer.
Tara Arnold: A Community Leader Remembered
Tara Arnold was married to Kurt Arnold, a co-founder of the Arnold & Itkin Law Firm, which owned the private jet involved in the crash. Speaking to Texas news outlet ABC13, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, a close friend of the Arnolds, expressed her profound grief.
"I'm close friends with Kurt and Tara Arnold and we're still waiting for additional information," Briones stated. "Unfortunately, the plane went down on Sunday evening in Maine, and my heart hurts for them, for their children, and for their families."
Briones went on to describe Tara Arnold as a dedicated public servant and a prominent community leader within her precinct. "She was a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service. She was very involved in Precinct 4 and our nonprofit, Precinct 4 Forward. My heart is with Kurt, their children, and everyone affected," she added.
Shawna Collins: An Event Planner on a Business Trip
Another victim, Shawna Collins, was a Houston-based event planner. Her daughter informed ABC13 that she had spoken with her mother prior to the flight on Sunday, noting that Collins was looking forward to the business trip to France.
Jacob Hosmer: The Pilot's Legacy
The plane's pilot, 47-year-old Jacob Hosmer, was also killed in the crash. His father, Gary Hosmer, told Click2Houston, "He's in heaven now with Jesus." A friend of Hosmer's shared memories with the outlet, saying, "I would describe him as a great pilot, a loving husband, and a phenomenal father. He was always kind. He was always laughing."
Investigation into the Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has indicated that early findings suggest the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and subsequently caught fire. The agency has stated that it will not release further details until investigators have fully accessed the crash site.
Air traffic control audio captured at the time of the incident recorded a voice stating, "Aircraft upside down – we have a passenger aircraft upside down," approximately 45 seconds after takeoff clearance was given. Airport director Jose Saavedra confirmed that first responders arrived at the scene in under a minute following the crash and the ensuing fire.
The tragic event has left communities in both Maine and Houston mourning the loss of these individuals, as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the crash amidst challenging weather conditions.
