Bangor, Maine — A quiet Sunday evening turned into the worst kind of heartbreak when a private Bombardier Challenger business jet flipped over and exploded in fire as it tried to take off from Bangor International Airport on January 25, killing all six people aboard. Among the victims is father‑of‑three and acclaimed chef Nick Mastrascusa, whose family says his warmth and generosity enriched everyone around him.
Mastrascusa, a Hawaiian native, was publicly identified through a GoFundMe campaign launched by loved ones. They described him as more than a chef and executive; he was a coach, mentor, and friend whose kindness reached far beyond the kitchens and banquet halls where he worked. He leaves behind his wife, Natalia, and their three children — Analani, a ninth‑grader; Mateo, in fifth grade; and 2‑year‑old Noah.
The jet, registered as a Bombardier Challenger 600 series and tied to the Houston‑based law firm Arnold & Itkin, had made a scheduled refueling stop in Bangor while en route from Houston, Texas, to France. Weather conditions that night were harsh, with a winter storm delivering snow, sleet and freezing conditions across New England — a challenge that investigators say may become a focus of the ongoing probe.
Among the others killed were Jacob Hosmer, 47, the pilot from Houston whose family confirmed his death, and Shawna Collins, a seasoned event planner who was traveling with the group. Tara Arnold, 46, an attorney and executive with ties to the jet’s owner, was also identified. Authorities are still confirming the identities of the remaining two victims.
Officials say the aircraft crashed around 7:45 p.m. local time, moments after it was cleared for takeoff. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on site this week and are combing through wreckage and flight data to determine what went wrong. Early reports note that ice accumulation and severe weather could be key factors, though no definitive cause has yet been released.
Friends, community members, and colleagues in Hawaii and beyond have been sharing memories of Mastrascusa’s generosity — the way he brought people together with food, the way he made time for others even amidst a demanding career. The fundraising effort for his family gained traction quickly, underscoring how deeply his loss is felt.
Bangor International Airport stayed closed for days after the crash as investigators worked and debris was cleared. Local officials continue to urge patience as the NTSB gathers evidence and prepares a preliminary account of the factors that led to this tragic and sudden loss of life.
