Top Lawyer Identified Among Six Victims as New Details Surface in Devastating Plane Crash
Heartbreaking new details have surfaced after a private jet crash in Bangor, Maine, that killed six people, including prominent Texas attorney Tara Arnold.
The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, went down Sunday evening amid heavy snowfall, only moments after attempting to depart on a business trip to Paris.
The victims
The jet had landed earlier that evening to refuel, then attempted takeoff and flipped before bursting into flames shortly after leaving the runway at about 7:45 PM.
Air traffic control recordings captured a chilling call as emergency crews raced in: “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.”
Tara Arnold, a high-profile lawyer and partner at the Houston-based firm Arnold & Itkin, was traveling with several others, including Shawna Collins, 53, an event planner. The jet was owned by Arnold & Itkin Law, the successful personal injury firm run by Tara’s husband, Kurt Arnold, where Tara also worked.
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 the New York Post, Tara lived with her two children and her “mega-wealthy” husband in a mansion in Houston.
Another identified victim was Shawna Collins. Her daughter confirmed her death and said her mother had been excited about the Europe business trip. 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 Jacob Hosmer, a Houston native, also died in the crash. Hosmer had joined Arnold & Itkin just seven months earlier and served 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 upbeat personality.
The remaining three victims have not yet been publicly named as authorities continue their investigation.
Dangerous winter conditions
Maine had been struck by Winter Storm Fern, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Aviation experts have noted that ice buildup on wings can create serious hazards for Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft, which have a history of takeoff challenges in cold weather. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti explained, “Even a small amount of ice on the wings can affect lift and make the aircraft difficult to control.”
Air traffic control recordings also show other pilots at Bangor International voicing concerns about the weather. One pilot said, “I keep telling them this is stupid,” while another reported failing a pre-takeoff check because of snow and ice buildup.
“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,” an Allegiant pilot radioed.
Mystery deepens over who was aboard doomed Maine private jet as authorities try to ID remains https://t.co/yRDolV3QEm pic.twitter.com/Zcrsc9eBZ1
— New York Post (@nypost) January 27, 2026
An air traffic controller noted he was preparing to warn the crew that visibility had dropped to around three-quarters of a mile. Around the same time, the Bombardier pilot reached the deicing pad and radioed a request to have the wings and tail treated. The jet remained in 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. Bangor airport officials said the airport will remain closed until at least Wednesday as the investigation continues. Authorities are asking anyone with surveillance video or relevant information to contact the NTSB.
The crash represents a devastating loss for the Houston legal community and for the loved ones of all six victims. Thoughts remain with those grieving and with the families waiting for answers after this horrific tragedy.
Praying for Kurt Arnold, their children, their family and friends, the law firm, and the families and friends of everyone who died.