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Tragedy Strikes: Hawaiian Chef Among Six Killed in Maine Plane Crash
Bangor, ME – A devastating plane crash at Bangor International Airport over the weekend claimed the lives of six individuals, including a renowned Hawaiian chef, as a private jet bound for Paris flipped and ignited during takeoff.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the Bombardier Challenger 600 jet encountered a catastrophic failure around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday amidst Winter Storm Fern.
Among the victims identified is Nick Mastrascusa, executive vice president of hospitality for luxury travel company Beyond. A GoFundMe page established in his memory highlights the profound loss for his family, stating, “We are heartbroken to share the tragic news of the loss of Nick Mastrascusa, a parent, coach, and friend in our ‘ohana.
On Sunday evening, January 25, Nick lost his life in a plane crash in Bangor, Maine.” He leaves behind his partner, Natalia, and three children.
The ill-fated jet was registered to a partner of the Houston-based personal injury law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers. Sources indicate that Tara Arnold, an attorney at the firm and wife of founding partner Kurt Arnold, was also on board.
The pilot, 47-year-old Jacob Hosmer, was confirmed as another casualty by his father, Gary. Shawna Collins has been identified as a third victim.
Mastrascusa’s impressive culinary career spanned over two decades, gracing some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels and resorts. His biography on Beyond’s website lauded him as an “award-winning chef and sommelier.”
Most recently, he served as Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at Discovery Land’s Kūkiʻo Golf and Beach Club in Hawaiʻi, where he oversaw multiple restaurants and an exclusive wine program. He honed his craft at Johnson & Wales University in Miami and the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley.
The FAA has yet to determine the cause of the crash, citing “unknown circumstances” at departure. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene, with air traffic controllers relaying, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.”
While a preceding departing plane noted challenging visibility, airport officials stated that the crashed jet, which had refueled in Bangor, underwent standard de-icing procedures and was in line with other aircraft that successfully took off. Despite the winter storm, winds were described as relatively mild, and snow accumulation was minimal.