BANGOR MAINE, family members and close friends are grieving following a fatal aviation accident that claimed the lives of six people after a private business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport on Sunday night.
The aircraft, which was en route to France, overturned on the runway and erupted into flames, with authorities confirming that there were no survivors.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the crash occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. as the jet was attempting to depart amid severe winter weather associated with Winter Storm Fern. The FAA said the aircraft flipped during takeoff and subsequently caught fire, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Audio from air traffic control recordings captured moments surrounding the crash. Shortly before departure, a transmission was heard stating, “Let there be light.” Moments after the incident, controllers reported, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.”
The FAA said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and will lead the investigation.
The jet was registered to a partner of the Houston-based personal injury law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers. Sources confirmed that Tara Arnold, an attorney with the firm and the wife of founding partner Kurt Arnold, was among those on board.
Tara Arnold, 46, a mother of two and a Louisiana native, was described on the firm’s website as a seasoned legal professional. Kurt Arnold and his law partner Jason Itkin were not on the flight, according to sources.
The pilot of the aircraft, Jacob Hosmer, 47, was also killed in the crash. Hosmer began working for Arnold and Itkin in May 2025 and was described by colleagues as an experienced and respected aviator.
Fellow pilot Bob Howie shared a tribute to Hosmer on social media, posting a photograph of the two together and remembering him as a close friend and skilled pilot. Hosmer’s cousin, David Lopez Jr., also shared a tribute, describing him as a role model whose presence brought light to those around him.
Another victim was identified by family members as Shawna Collins, an event planner. According to her daughter, Collins was traveling to Europe for a work-related trip at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not yet officially released the names of all six individuals killed in the accident.
Following the crash, Bangor International Airport canceled or diverted flights and remained closed into Monday, according to a statement from the Bangor Police Department. Officials urged the public to avoid the area as emergency operations and the preliminary investigation continued.
The NTSB and FAA are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation moves forward.
