Nick Mastrascusa, a highly regarded Hawaiian chef and father of three, has been identified as the fourth confirmed victim of the catastrophic private jet crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine on January 25, 2026. The Bombardier Challenger 600, bound for Paris after a refueling stop, flipped upside down and erupted into flames during takeoff amid Winter Storm Fern, claiming the lives of all six people on board—four passengers and two crew members.
The incident occurred shortly after 7:45 p.m. local time as the aircraft attempted departure from a snow-covered runway. Witnesses and preliminary reports describe the jet accelerating normally before suddenly rolling inverted, crashing onto the tarmac in a fireball. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an immediate investigation, focusing on possible contributing factors including heavy snow accumulation, icing conditions, de-icing procedures, and any mechanical or pilot-related issues. Other aircraft were operating around the same time, but the extreme weather—part of a massive nor’easter battering the Northeast—raised questions about runway conditions and visibility.
Mastrascusa, 43, was an award-winning executive chef and sommelier known for his work at some of the world’s most exclusive resorts and private clubs. He served as executive vice president of hospitality for a luxury travel company and had recently joined a new venture involving curated high-end experiences. His family confirmed his presence on the flight through a verified GoFundMe page, describing him as a devoted parent, coach, friend, and culinary talent whose kindness, generosity, and passion touched countless lives. “Nick was the heart of our ‘ohana,” the page stated, noting his dedication to family and community in Hawaii.
The jet was owned by a corporation linked to Houston-based personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin, and the trip appeared tied to business and exploratory travel for a new luxury initiative. Other identified victims include Tara Arnold, 46, an attorney and wife of the firm’s co-founder; Shawna Collins, a Texas event planner assisting with the venture; pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47; and sommelier Shelby Kuyawa, 34, who was traveling with Mastrascusa. The second crew member’s identity has not been publicly released. Family statements and tributes highlighted the group’s excitement for the Paris leg—touring chateaus and scouting locations—turning what should have been a routine refuel into unimaginable tragedy.
Mastrascusa’s career spanned elite establishments, from The Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach to the Four Seasons in New York, after graduating from Johnson & Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America. Colleagues praised his creativity, attention to detail, and ability to blend flavors with storytelling. In Hawaii, he led culinary operations at Kukio Golf and Beach Club in Kamuela, earning acclaim for innovative menus that celebrated local ingredients. His loss reverberated through the hospitality world, with industry figures sharing memories of his mentorship and warmth.
The crash unfolded during one of the fiercest winter storms in recent memory, with heavy snow, high winds, and sub-freezing temperatures across Maine. The plane had originated from Houston’s Hobby Airport, stopped in Bangor for fuel to cross the Atlantic, and received de-icing services before the fatal takeoff. Aviation experts noted that while de-icing mitigates ice buildup, residual contamination or dynamic conditions during acceleration can still pose risks. The jet’s inversion suggests a possible loss of control—perhaps from asymmetric thrust, control surface issues, or external factors like runway contamination—though the exact sequence awaits full analysis of flight data recorders and wreckage examination.
Emergency response was swift but hampered by the inferno and weather. Fire crews contained the blaze, but the intense heat and structural collapse left no survivors. The airport temporarily closed, disrupting regional travel as investigators secured the site. The NTSB emphasized a thorough probe, including weather data, maintenance records, crew qualifications, and black box recovery.
Tributes to Mastrascusa flooded social media and fundraising pages. Friends described him as a loving father who coached his children’s teams, a mentor to aspiring chefs, and a man whose smile lit up kitchens. His wife and family expressed profound grief while thanking the community for support. Similar outpourings honored the other victims: Arnold as a dedicated lawyer and family woman planning her daughter’s wedding; Collins as a beloved church member at Lakewood Church and skilled planner; Hosmer as a seasoned pilot; and Kuyawa as a rising wine expert passionate about global experiences.
The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of private jet operations in adverse weather, corporate travel safety protocols, and the risks of transatlantic flights with intermediate stops. It also underscored the human cost behind luxury ventures—lives cut short while pursuing dreams of exceptional hospitality and exploration.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the precise chain of events that turned a routine takeoff into disaster. For the families of Nick Mastrascusa and the others lost, the pain is immeasurable. His legacy endures in the dishes he created, the people he inspired, and the love he shared—a reminder of how fragile life can be, even at 30,000 feet.
