Bangor, Maine – A late-night business jet crash at Bangor International Airport has claimed the lives of six people, including a Lakewood Church staff member and a well-known chef. The aircraft went down shortly after beginning its takeoff run, triggering a fire and shutting down the airport as federal investigators work to determine what went wrong.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred just before 7 p.m. Houston time on Sunday evening at Bangor International Airport, roughly 200 miles north of Boston. The aircraft involved was a Challenger 600 business jet that had departed from William P. Hobby Airport in Houston and stopped in Maine before a planned transatlantic flight to Paris, France.
According to preliminary findings, the jet crashed during departure and caught fire after impact, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.
Victims Identified
Among the victims were Shawna Collins, a staff member at Lakewood Church, and Nick Mastrascusa, a chef and father of three from Hawaii.
In a statement released by Lakewood Church, church leaders confirmed Collins’ death and described her as a deeply cherished member of their community.
“We can confirm with great sadness that a beloved member of our church staff and treasured friend, Shawna Collins, was on the plane that crashed in Maine on Sunday evening,” the statement read.
“She was a light that brightened our days, and she possessed a beautiful spirit that lifted everyone she met.”
Mastrascusa was remembered by friends and family as a coach, chef, and dedicated father. An online fundraiser established in his memory describes him as someone known for kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for others.
Timeline of Events
The aircraft arrived in Bangor earlier in the evening after departing Houston. Shortly after lining up for takeoff for its next leg toward Europe, the jet failed to successfully depart and crashed on the runway area.
Emergency crews responded immediately, but a post-crash fire made rescue efforts impossible. Airport officials closed the facility shortly afterward, grounding all incoming and outgoing flights.
Weather Conditions at the Time
At the time of the crash, dangerous winter weather was affecting much of the Northeast. In Bangor, snow was falling, temperatures were near 2 degrees Fahrenheit, and visibility was under one mile.
While weather is being closely examined, investigators have not confirmed whether icing or visibility issues directly contributed to the crash.
Aircraft and Safety Concerns
Aviation attorney and pilot Steven Marks raised questions about possible mechanical or environmental factors, particularly involving deicing.
“I don’t want to accuse anyone prematurely, but this should never have happened,” Marks said.
“There have been other aircraft that have had deicing problems, and that’s a broader issue that needs to be examined.”
Marks noted that while the Challenger 600 has had two previous incidents over the last 20 years, that history alone does not establish a pattern. Investigators are expected to examine maintenance records, weather data, and ground procedures.
Ownership and Investigation
Records show the registered owner of the aircraft is linked to a Houston address shared with the law firm Arnold & Itkin, a detail confirmed through flight documentation reviewed by investigators.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation. The NTSB has stated that early information indicates the aircraft crashed upon departure and ignited after impact, with a full report expected to take months.
Airport Closure and Public Impact
Following the crash, Bangor International Airport was closed and is expected to remain shut until at least noon Wednesday, affecting regional travel and cargo operations. Airport officials emphasized safety inspections must be completed before flights can resume.
Conclusion
As investigators continue their work, families and communities across the country are mourning the loss of six lives taken in a sudden and devastating accident. The crash has renewed attention on winter aviation safety, particularly during international departures in severe weather conditions.
Call to Action
If you have flown through Bangor International Airport or have experience with winter travel disruptions, share your experiences in the comments below.
