Bangor, Maine, US — January 25, 2026: A private jet carrying eight people crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport in the United States on Sunday evening, resulting in at least seven confirmed deaths and one serious injury, officials confirmed. The tragic incident occurred amid a powerful winter storm sweeping the northeastern US.
What Happened? A Private Jet Crash During Takeoff
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, around 7:45 p.m. local time, a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet attempted to take off from Bangor International Airport in Maine. Shortly after beginning its departure roll, the aircraft crashed and flipped over on the runway, bursting into flames.
This crash occurred during a severe winter storm that brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to much of the region, heavily affecting travel throughout the northeastern United States.
Casualties and Survivors: Confirmed Details
- Deaths: At least seven of the eight people on board have been confirmed dead by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Survivor: One crew member survived with serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.
- Identities: Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims as of January 27, 2026.
About the Aircraft: Bombardier Challenger 600
The private jet involved in the crash was a Bombardier Challenger 600, a popular business jet capable of carrying 9–11 passengers. The aircraft was registered to a limited liability company linked to a Houston, Texas-based law firm.
This model, although widely used in private and corporate travel, has been associated in past discussions with issues related to snow and ice build-up on wings if not properly handled under freezing conditions.
Weather Conditions at the Time of Crash
The jet crash happened in deteriorating weather, as the region battled a major winter storm. Snowfall and icy conditions were reported in and around Bangor.
Although authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause, weather — including low visibility and icy runway conditions — is expected to be a focus of the ongoing investigation.
Airport Response and Investigations
- Airport Closure: Bangor International Airport was temporarily closed to all flights following the crash.
- Emergency Response: Firefighters and emergency personnel from multiple agencies rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and assist victims.
- FAA & NTSB: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal safety investigation into the cause of the crash
The NTSB typically dispatches investigators to document wreckage, review flight data, and interview witnesses — a process that may take many months to complete.
How This Crash Has Affected Flights and Travel
The winter storm that was occurring at the same time had already caused widespread flight cancellations and delays across the United States, contributing to travel chaos:
- Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed nationwide.
- Airports from the Northeast to the Southeast experienced ice, snow, and hazardous conditions.
The private crash has added to the severe impact on air travel and has drawn national attention to the risks of flying during extreme weather.
What Officials Are Looking For
Investigators are examining several possible factors:
Weather and Ice on Wings
Freezing rain and snowfall may have caused ice to form on the jet’s wings, which can reduce lift and destabilize the aircraft.
De-icing Procedures
Officials will review whether the jet received proper de-icing treatment before takeoff.
Aircraft Mechanical Condition
Engine performance, flight controls, and onboard data will be analyzed by NTSB experts.
Eyewitness Accounts and Local Reaction
Emergency responders described the scene as “heartbreaking,” with the aircraft upside down and smoke rising from the wreckage late into the night.
Local residents and airport staff shared that the snowstorm made access difficult, complicating immediate rescue operations.
Expert Insight: Aviation Safety in Snowstorms
Aviation safety specialists stress that takeoff and landing phases are the most critical parts of any flight. Snow and ice can seriously affect aircraft performance if de-icing procedures are delayed or incomplete, especially in older business jet models like the Bombardier Challenger series.
Timeline: Private Jet Crash Events Jan 25-27 2026
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Victim Identification Status as of January 27, 2026
As of January 27, 2026, authorities have not officially released the complete list of all eight victims involved in the private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine.
Official agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and local Maine law enforcement, have not publicly confirmed all identities. Officials have also noted conflicting reports regarding the total number of people on board, which has delayed the release of full details.
Victims Identified Through Credible Media Reports
While an official list is still pending, some individuals have been identified through credible and widely reported news sources, including local and national media outlets. These names have been publicly linked to the crash based on confirmed reporting.
Known Victim Names (Reported by Media)
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Tara Arnold
Attorney and wife of a co-founder of a prominent Texas-based law firm. She has been identified as one of the victims through media reports. -
Jacob Hosmer
Pilot of the private jet. Reports confirm that he was among those who lost their lives in the crash. -
Shawna Collins
An event planner who was also confirmed killed in the incident, according to published reports.
Remaining Victims Not Yet Officially Named
Authorities have not released the names of the remaining individuals who were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
There is no verified or complete public list of all eight victim names as of now. Officials have stated that they are continuing the identification process and are coordinating closely with families before making any further information public.
More updates are expected once the investigation progresses and next-of-kin notifications are fully completed.
Private Jet With 8 Aboard Crashes At US Airport Amid Winter Storm https://t.co/GIyqqibzwM
— Raasta786 (@AirMshlRkalim) January 27, 2026
Remembering Lives Lost in Private Jet Crash
Friends and family in Houston held a small vigil last night. Candles flickered as they shared stories of Tara's big laugh and Shawna's party magic. Bangor locals added flowers by the runway, a quiet nod to skies above.
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