The first victims of a deadly Maine plane crash have been identified as Jacob Hosmer, the Houston-based pilot; Tara Arnold, a top lawyer and wife of prominent Texas law-firm founder Kurt Arnold; and Shawna Collins, a Texas event planner. The private jet carrying six people flipped over and burst into flames at Bangor International Airport Sunday evening, killing everyone on board.
The twin-engine Bombardier Challenger 600 had landed in Bangor around 6 p.m. for refueling after departing Houston and was preparing to continue its flight to Paris when the crash occurred during Winter Storm Fern. Moments before takeoff, a voice over the plane’s radio eerily said, “Let there be light,” though the meaning remains unclear.
Tara Arnold, 46, worked at her husband’s firm, Arnold & Itkin Law, specializing in offshore workplace injuries. She lived with Kurt Arnold and their two children in a Houston mansion. Kurt Arnold and his business partner Jason Itkin were not on the flight. Texas lawmaker Lesley Briones, a family friend, praised Tara Arnold as “a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service.”
Jacob Hosmer, 47, served as the flight’s captain and had joined Arnold & Itkin earlier in 2025. His father confirmed his death, telling KPRC2, “He’s in Heaven now with Jesus.” Hosmer had previously flown for Wing Aviation, Apollo Aviation, and Priester Aviation, and friends described him as “a great pilot, a loving husband, and a phenomenal father.”
The third victim, Shawna Collins, was confirmed by her daughter. Collins and the other passengers were traveling to Europe on a business trip.
The plane reportedly flipped while attempting takeoff on a snow-covered runway. Air-traffic controllers at Bangor International Airport described the aircraft as “upside down” as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Aviation experts noted that Bombardier Challenger 600s are sensitive to ice accumulation on wings, and investigators will examine whether de-icing procedures or the severe winter storm contributed to the crash.
The wreck forced the airport to close and is not expected to reopen until Wednesday. Arnold & Itkin Law has not issued a statement regarding the tragedy. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to lead the investigation.
