A private jet carrying six passengers crashed during takeoff on Sunday evening at Bangor International Airport, claiming the lives of everyone on board.
Among the victims was Tara Arnold, 46, a respected lawyer from Houston, who was traveling with friends on a girls’ trip to Paris.
The horrific accident has left families, friends, and colleagues reeling.
Lives Lost and Careers Remembered
Tara Arnold, wife of personal injury attorney Kurt Arnold, had spent decades building her career at Arnold & Itkin LLP, the prominent Houston law firm she joined in 2005.
She and Kurt raised two children, Jaxon and Isla, in a sprawling $11 million home.
Tara’s mother inspired her to become a lawyer, and she often described her work as protecting the futures of families and victims of accidents.
Also killed was event planner Shawna Collins, whose daughter shared she had spoken with her mother ahead of the flight and was excited for the upcoming business trip to Europe.
Houston-area pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, was at the controls.
Known to friends as a skilled and cheerful pilot, he had worked for Arnold & Itkin since May 2025.
The Deadly Takeoff
The jet, a Bombardier Challenger 650, attempted takeoff at around 7:45 pm in freezing conditions.
Flight data shows the plane veered sharply to the right and flipped over at 175mph.
Dramatic footage captured the aircraft upside-down on the snow-covered runway, smoke billowing into the air.
Witnesses described the plane lifting briefly before crashing and exploding.
FAA tower audio, obtained by the Daily Mail, recorded tense moments as the crew and controllers discussed low visibility and ice removal.
One eerie line, “let there be light,” was heard minutes before the crash, though it remains unclear who said it or why.
Harsh Winter Conditions
The temperature at Bangor was just 1°F, with six to eight inches of snow covering the runway.
Winter Storm Fern has battered the U.S., forcing 11,000 flight cancellations and prompting emergency declarations in at least 24 states.
FAA weather cameras captured the dense cloud cover around the time of the accident, highlighting just how challenging the conditions were for takeoff.
Remembering Tara Arnold
Tara’s life was defined by ambition, service, and compassion.
A magna cum laude graduate of Tulane University in Louisiana, she began her career in New York before returning to Houston to join her husband’s firm.
She specialized in assisting victims of accidents, particularly offshore oil platform incidents, and her colleagues praised her dedication to clients and mentorship of younger lawyers.
Outside the office, Tara loved travel and outdoor activity.
Friends and colleagues remember her as bold, generous, and endlessly kind.
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, a close friend of Tara and Kurt, described her as “a phenomenal person with a heart of service.”
Legacy and Philanthropy
The Arnolds are well-known philanthropists, particularly to the University of Texas, where they have donated over $40 million to athletics programs.
Their generosity reflects the values Tara lived by—supporting others and making a meaningful impact.
What Comes Next
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the crash.
While the storm and icy runway conditions are under scrutiny, investigators will examine every aspect of the flight, from pilot procedures to aircraft systems.
As Maine and the nation continue to grapple with Winter Storm Fern, the tragedy at Bangor serves as a stark reminder of the risks of travel in severe weather and the fragility of life.
Families mourn, colleagues grieve, and a community searches for answers in the aftermath of a night that ended in heartbreak.
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