Heartbreaking details have emerged after a private jet crash in Bangor, Maine, claimed the lives of six people, including prominent Texas lawyer Tara Arnold.
The jet, a Bombardier Challenger 600, went down Sunday evening during heavy snowfall, just moments after attempting to take off for a business trip to Paris.
The victims
The plane, which had landed earlier that evening to refuel, flipped and burst into flames shortly after leaving the runway around 7:45 PM.
Air traffic control recordings captured a chilling alert: “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down,” as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Tara Arnold, a powerhouse attorney and partner at the Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin, was traveling with fellow victims, including event planner Shawna Collins, 53. The jet was owned by Arnold & Itkin Law, the thriving personal injury firm run by Tara’s husband, Kurt Arnold, where Tara herself was also employed.
Local Texas lawmaker and close family friend Lesley Briones described Tara Arnold as “a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service. My heart is with Kurt, their children, and everyone affected.”
Briones added, “Tara was very involved in Precinct 4 and our nonprofit, Precinct 4 Forward. She had such a big heart and was deeply devoted to public service. I can’t imagine the loss her family is feeling.”
According to New York Post, Tara lived with her two kids and ”mega-wealthy” husband in a Houston mansion.
Another identified victim is Shawna Collins. Her daughter confirmed her passing, sharing that her mother had been looking forward to the business trip to Europe. Collins was also a longtime employee at Lakewood Church in Houston.
“Everyone adored her. She had a personality that just drew people in,” church spokesperson Donald Iloff Jr. told The Associated Press.
The pilot, 47-year-old Houston native Jacob Hosmer, also died in the crash. Hosmer had joined Arnold & Itkin just seven months ago, serving as a “team captain,” according to his LinkedIn profile.
His father, Gary Hosmer, told Click2Houston, “He’s in Heaven now with Jesus.” Friends described Jacob as “an excellent pilot, a devoted husband, and a dedicated father,” adding that he was known for his cheerful personality.
The remaining three victims have not yet been publicly identified, as authorities continue their investigation.
Dangerous winter conditions
Maine had been hit by Winter Storm Fern, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Aviation experts note that icy buildup on wings can cause serious problems for Bombardier Challenger 600 jets, which have a history of takeoff difficulties in cold conditions. Jeff Guzzetti, an aviation safety consultant, explained, “Even a small amount of ice on the wings can affect lift and make the aircraft difficult to control.”
Air traffic control recordings reveal other pilots at Bangor International expressed concern about the weather. One pilot said, “I keep telling them this is stupid,” while another mentioned failing a pre-takeoff check due to snow and ice accumulation.
“One, our deice fluid has failed, and two, I don’t think the visibility is good enough for us to go, so we’re going to have to taxi back to the gate here,” one Allegiant pilot radioed.
The air traffic controller noted that he was about to alert the crew that visibility had fallen to around three-quarters of a mile. At the same time, the Bombardier’s pilot reached the deicing pad and radioed a request to have the plane’s wings and tail treated. The jet remained at the deicing area for roughly 20 minutes before taxiing toward the runway, then tragically flipped and crashed.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Bangor airport officials have said the airport will remain closed until at least Wednesday as the investigation continues. Authorities are asking anyone with surveillance footage or information to contact the NTSB.
This tragedy marks a devastating loss for both the Houston legal community and the families of all six victims. Our thoughts remain with those grieving and with the loved ones waiting for answers in the wake of this horrific accident.
Praying for Kurt Arnold, kids, their family and friends, Lawfirm and the families and friends of those also deceased!
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