What was supposed to be a straightforward late-evening departure turned into a devastating tragedy on a snow-lashed runway in Maine.
A private jet attempting to leave Bangor International Airport never made it safely into the air, instead flipping during takeoff and erupting in flames, killing everyone on board.
As investigators begin the slow process of piecing together what happened, aviation experts are already pointing to a chilling and familiar danger that may have played a role.
The Crash That Shocked Bangor
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650, which crashed around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday night.
Witnesses described the jet lifting briefly before slamming back onto the runway and exploding.
Snow and freezing temperatures complicated rescue efforts, and days later, all six victims remain trapped beneath the wreckage, frozen under heavy snowfall.
Those killed included prominent lawyer Tara Arnold, 46; chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43; wine specialist Shelby Kuyawa, 34; event planner Shawna Collins, 39; and pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47.
A Trip Meant for Big Dreams, Not Disaster
The jet was owned by powerhouse law firm Arnold & Itkin and was en route to Paris.
The trip was meant to be a location-scouting mission for a new luxury travel venture being launched by Arnold and her husband, Kurt.
The group planned to tour French châteaux and other high-end destinations for future invitation-only experiences aimed at ultra-wealthy clients.
Instead, the journey ended before it truly began.
Why Ice Is Emerging as a Prime Suspect
Although crash investigators have only just begun examining the wreckage, aviation experts say ice buildup on the wings is the most likely cause.
The conditions that night were brutal.
Winter Storm Fern swept across Maine and much of the U.S., bringing sleet, snow, and temperatures plunging to around 3°F.
Former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Jeff Guzzetti explained that the Challenger’s wing design makes it especially vulnerable to ice contamination.
Even small amounts can disrupt airflow, reduce lift, and trigger a stall almost instantly after takeoff.
De-Icing Done, But Possibly Not Enough
Airport records show the jet arrived from Houston at 6:09 p.m. and underwent de-icing between 7:17 p.m. and 7:36 p.m.
It took off just minutes later at 7:44 p.m.
Normally, planes are treated first with de-icing fluid to remove existing ice and then with anti-icing fluid to prevent new buildup.
But according to Guzzetti, the unusual mix of sleet and powdery snow that night may have rendered the anti-ice fluid far less effective.
Under those specific conditions, guidebooks for the Type 4 anti-ice fluid used recommend takeoff within nine minutes.
Any delay—or any fresh accumulation—can be dangerous.
Other Pilots Saw the Danger and Backed Off
The Challenger wasn’t the only aircraft struggling that night.
Crews from other planes voiced serious concerns to air traffic control.
An Allegiant Air Boeing 737 Max bound for Florida aborted its takeoff after pilots manually checked the wings and found ice forming again almost immediately.
“Our de-ice fluid has failed,” one pilot said, also citing poor visibility.
Another crew from Breeze Airways openly questioned whether taking off was worth the risk at all, even suggesting they might stay overnight.
Just minutes later, the Challenger reported it was ready for departure.
Ten minutes after that, the other crews watched it crash.
A History of Similar Crashes Raises Alarm
This isn’t the first time Challenger 600-series jets have been linked to deadly icing accidents.
Two eerily similar crashes—one in Birmingham, England, in 2002 and another in Montrose, Colorado, in 2004—were both blamed on ice contamination during takeoff.
In the Birmingham crash, investigators found uneven ice buildup caused one wing to stall before the other, rolling the plane until it flipped.
In Colorado, a similar wing dip sent the jet skidding over 1,400 feet after hitting the ground.
The NTSB has warned that even 1/64th of an inch of ice can reduce lift by up to 33 percent, enough to be catastrophic.
Why This Aircraft Is Especially Unforgiving
The Bombardier CL-600 series uses a “supercritical wing” design, which improves efficiency during cruising but is far less tolerant of disturbed airflow.
Guzzetti described the wings as prone to sudden stalls if ice disrupts airflow along the leading edge, especially during the critical seconds after liftoff.
Pilots have long described these aircraft as “unforgiving” and extremely sensitive in pitch.
Add a full fuel load—necessary for a transatlantic flight to Paris—and the margin for error shrinks even further.
Questions Around Final Checks and Possible Warnings
Federal Aviation Administration directives require Challenger pilots to manually inspect wings for ice before takeoff.
Whether that check was performed thoroughly remains unclear.
Flight data suggests the jet waited only about 30 seconds at the hold-short line, where final checks are typically completed.
Surveillance data shows the plane accelerated to 158 knots before briefly slowing, then crashing just 33 seconds after beginning its takeoff roll.
There are also unverified claims from a man online who said his father, another pilot for the firm, flew the plane the night before and reported odd flight data and sensor issues.
Whether those concerns are connected remains unknown.
Investigators Keeping an Open Mind
While ice is the leading theory, Guzzetti cautioned against jumping to conclusions.
Engine failure, pilot error, or faulty instrumentation could also have contributed.
“As an investigator, you don’t want to be biased toward one thing,” he said.
What Comes Next
The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will continue examining the wreckage, weather data, maintenance records, and cockpit communications.
One of the most painful questions—why the flight went ahead in such dangerous conditions—may haunt the plane’s owners and the victims’ families for months to come.
For now, answers remain buried beneath snow, wreckage, and a long list of haunting possibilities.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn