A devastating plane crash at Bangor International Airport amid a fierce winter storm has claimed the lives of all six people aboard a private Bombardier Challenger jet, including beloved Lakewood Church staffer Shawna Collins and prominent Hawaiian chef Nick Mastrascusa. While the jet had received deicing services, the fatal takeoff is raising serious questions for investigators about pre-flight safety protocols in extreme weather. As the NTSB and FAA begin their inquiry, the tragedy highlights the critical risks of private aviation and sparks an outpouring of community support for the grieving families.
Story Highlights
- Tragic crash of Bombardier Challenger jet from Houston kills all six aboard during takeoff from Bangor International Airport amid harsh winter storm.
- Victims include Shawna Collins, devoted Lakewood Church event planner described as a “beautiful spirit,” and Nick Mastrascusa, prominent Hawaiian chef, father of three, and community coach.
- Plane received deicing but crashed with post-crash fire; questions arise over procedures in 2°F snowstorm with low visibility.
- GoFundMe for Mastrascusa family surpasses $117,000, showing strong community support for everyday American heroes.
- NTSB and FAA investigate as airport remains closed, highlighting risks of rushed private jet travel in dangerous weather.
Crash Details and Timeline
A Bombardier Challenger 600/650 business jet departed Houston Hobby Airport on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026, and arrived in Bangor, Maine, for a turnaround before heading to a small airport near Paris, France. Around 8 p.m. local time, after deicing services, the plane crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport. Harsh conditions included snow, 2°F temperatures, and visibility under one mile. A post-crash fire followed, killing all four passengers and two crew members aboard.
A private Bombardier Challenger 600 carrying eight people crashed moments after takeoff from Bangor International Airport on Sunday night as a powerful winter storm battered Maine, forcing the airport to shut down and delaying federal investigators from reaching the wreckage. Air… pic.twitter.com/gn4tPpWRG3
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) January 26, 2026
Victims’ Stories: Houston and Hawaii Ties
Shawna Collins, a Lakewood Church staff member and Houston event planner, emerged as one victim. The church confirmed her death on January 27, calling her a “light” and “beautiful spirit” they loved dearly. They urged prayers for her family. Nick Mastrascusa, identified as the fourth victim via an online fundraiser, was a prolific Hawaiian chef, father of three, youth coach, and friend known for kindness, dedication, and generosity. These stories personalize the loss for American families and faith communities.
Aircraft Ownership and Investigation Focus
The jet registered to a Houston address linked to law firm Arnold & Itkin. Federal agencies, including the FAA and NTSB, lead the on-site investigation into causes like weather, deicing efficacy, and aircraft history. Bangor International Airport closed immediately after the rare fatal crash at a U.S. regional airport, remaining shut until at least noon on January 28, 2026. Wreckage blocks the runway as scrutiny intensifies on pre-flight procedures in Northeast winter storms.
Aviation attorney and pilot Steven Marks questioned deicing effectiveness, noting two prior Challenger 600 incidents over 20 years and broader industry problems with ice accumulation impairing wing lift. He stressed this crash should never have happened and called for thorough pattern analysis without premature blame. Marks’ expertise underscores preventable risks in private aviation operations.
Community Response and Broader Impacts
A GoFundMe for Mastrascusa’s family raised over $117,000 by January 28, reflecting robust support from communities in Hawaii and beyond for a man who embodied family values and service. Lakewood Church’s swift statement rallied its members around Collins’ grieving relatives. Short-term effects include airport disruptions delaying travel for Maine locals and general aviation users. Families face profound grief amid ongoing victim identifications.
Long-term, the crash renews focus on deicing protocols for Challenger series jets and winter operations at regional airports. Potential FAA regulatory changes loom if systemic flaws emerge. Lawsuits may follow given the law firm ownership link and professional commentary on procedural lapses. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in business jet travel, urging stricter safety standards to protect American lives without government overreach stifling private aviation.
Watch the report: Small jet crashes during takeoff at Bangor International Airport amid winter storm
Sources:
- Lakewood Church staff member, chef identified as victims in Maine plane crash
- Top Hawaiian chef and dad of three ID’d as fourth victim of Maine plane crash
- Private Jet Carrying 6 People Crashes in Flames During Takeoff at Maine Airport
- First Victims Identified After Private Plane Crashed During Takeoff, Killing 6 on Board
