The bodies of six people who died when a Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport on Jan. 25 have been removed from the crash site, the Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner told PEOPLE. Extreme winter weather delayed recovery and the arrival of FAA and NTSB teams. Wreckage and both flight recorders have been recovered and taken to secure facilities; investigators will examine the pilots, the aircraft and the operating environment. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days.
Six Dead in Bangor Private Jet Crash; Bodies Recovered After Weather Delays
Shawna Collins, Jacob Hosmer, Tara ArnoldShawna Collins/Instagram; Jacob Hosmer/Facebook; Arnold & Itkin LLP
The remains of six people who died when a Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport on Jan. 25 have now been removed from the scene, a spokesperson for the Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE.
Recovery and Identification Efforts Underway
The medical examiner's office told PEOPLE on Jan. 29 that it 'has all decedents from the plane crash in Bangor' and that officials are actively attempting to confirm identities, with more information expected soon.
Crash Details
The Challenger 650 went down at about 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 25, during takeoff, the Federal Aviation Administration said. An updated FAA accident notice states that six people on board — four passengers and two crew — were killed and there were no survivors.
Who Was Onboard
Authorities have not formally released an official list of victims, but several people aboard the flight have been publicly identified by family members or local media. NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the flight's captain was Jacob Hosmer, a 47-year-old Houston-area pilot; his father confirmed his death. Other reported victims include attorney Tara Arnold, event planner Shawna Collins and chef Nick Mastrascusa, though officials have not completed formal public identifications.
Investigation Progress
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were on site and have recovered the wreckage to a secure facility for further examination. The NTSB also confirmed that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered and sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., for analysis.
"Investigators will examine the pilots, the aircraft and the operating environment," the NTSB said. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Weather And Operational Notes
Airport officials said extreme winter weather at the airfield delayed recovery work and the arrival of some FAA and NTSB teams. The plane had arrived from Houston to refuel and was bound for Paris‑Vatry Airport in France when the crash occurred. While snow and poor weather were reported at the time, authorities said it remains unclear whether weather was a contributing factor.
Community Response
Bangor International Airport announced that operations have since resumed. The City of Bangor and airport officials are offering counseling services to first responders, employees and other stakeholders affected by the tragedy.
PEOPLE contacted the FAA for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
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