BANGOR, Maine — A private jet crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening, killing all six people on board and triggering a federal investigation. Authorities say the Bombardier Challenger 600 flipped over and burst into flames as it attempted to depart around 7:45 p.m. The aircraft had stopped in Bangor to refuel and was headed to Paris when the deadly crash occurred.
Sources close to the passengers told The Daily Mail that 34-year-old sommelier Shelby Kuyawa was among those aboard the jet. She was traveling with private chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43. The flight carried four passengers and two crew members. The aircraft was registered to a limited liability company connected to a Houston-area law firm, though officials have not said who chartered the flight.
While authorities have not yet officially released the names of the victims, family members and friends have identified several of those who died. In addition to Kuyawa and Mastrascusa, the victims include Tara Arnold, Shawna Collins, and pilot Jacob Hosmer. The identity of the second crew member has not been publicly confirmed as of Tuesday.
Kuyawa, Mastrascusa, Arnold, and Collins were all connected to Beyond, a luxury travel and lifestyle company founded by Tara Arnold and her husband, Kurt Arnold. Kurt Arnold was not on the plane. Beyond specialized in high-end travel experiences, often featuring private chefs, curated itineraries, and exclusive destinations around the world.
Investigators are now working to determine what caused the crash. Information from flight tracking data, air traffic control recordings, and statements from officials suggest the plane attempted to take off during a snowstorm, with icy conditions reported at the airport at the time. Aviation experts note that the Bombardier Challenger 600 has a documented history of performance issues in icy weather, though officials caution that it is too early to determine the exact cause.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are leading the investigation and will examine the wreckage, weather conditions, and the aircraft’s maintenance history. As the investigation continues, tributes have begun pouring in for the victims, remembered as talented professionals and close friends. The tragedy has left families grieving and raised renewed questions about flight safety during severe winter weather.
