Luxury Jet Flips—Elite Team Gone

A luxury travel dream en route to France’s Champagne region ended in flames on a snowy Maine runway, wiping out an entire startup’s elite team in one horrifying flip.

Story Snapshot

Six victims, including Beyond’s founder Tara Arnold, died in a Bombardier Challenger 600 crash at Bangor International Airport on January 25, 2026.
The group flew from Houston for a refueling stop amid a snowstorm, raising ice buildup questions on the jet’s wings.
Beyond offered ultra-luxury stays at $15,000-$30,000 per night in exclusive spots like Turks & Caicos and Telluride.
Victims included pilots, a master sommelier, acclaimed chef, and event planner tied to Houston’s legal and church circles.
NTSB probes potential weather factors, with the Challenger 600 model linked to prior ice-related crashes.

Crash Sequence at Bangor Airport

Bangor International Airport saw the Bombardier Challenger 600 attempt takeoff at 7:45 p.m. ET on January 25, 2026. A snowstorm swept in as the 2020-model jet, configured for nine to 11 passengers, accelerated down the runway. The aircraft flipped upside down, skidded, and erupted in fire. Initial reports cited eight aboard with seven dead and one injured; officials revised to six presumed dead by January 27. The NTSB launched its probe on January 28 under case CEN26FA098.

Beyond’s Ultra-Luxury Vision and Founders

Tara Arnold, 46, a Louisiana native and former mergers-and-acquisitions lawyer, launched Beyond with husband Kurt Arnold. The service curated stays at elite properties charging $15,000 to $30,000 nightly. Tara shifted from oil-and-gas deals and offshore accident cases at Arnold & Itkin to hospitality entrepreneurship. Kurt co-founded the prominent personal injury firm with Jason Itkin. Their $40 million University of Texas pledge in 2024 etched their names on the football scoreboard.

Victims’ Elite Profiles and Ties

Pilots Jacob Hosmer, 47, from Pearland, Texas, and Jorden Reidel, 33, from Texas captained the flight. Hosmer, a licensed instructor and Platinum Skies Aviation managing member, joined Arnold & Itkin in May 2025. Chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43, from Hawaii, boasted Kona golf resort experience. Master sommelier Shelby Kuyawa, 34, from Hawaii, served high-end spots in Hawaii and Vail. Event planner Shawna Collins, 53, from Houston, worked for Lakewood Church and the Arnold firm. Lakewood praised her vibrant personality.

NTSB Focus on Ice and Weather Risks

The FAA reported the jet crashed under unknown circumstances, inverting and igniting on departure. Experts spotlight ice accumulation on wings, a known Challenger 600 issue with at least two prior incidents. The snowstorm timing fuels scrutiny of de-icing protocols and takeoff decisions. Bangor, a key transatlantic refueling hub, closed post-crash, disrupting dozens of flights. A preliminary NTSB report looms within 30 days, dissecting weather, maintenance, and pilot choices.

Startup’s Future and Broader Ripples

Tara Arnold’s death guts Beyond’s leadership, while losing the chef, sommelier, and planner cripples operations. Families grieve: Hosmer leaves a wife and two sons; Collins eyed her daughter’s 2026 wedding. Arnold & Itkin stayed silent on details. The crash spotlights private jet safety in winter transatlantic hops, potentially reshaping protocols. Houston’s legal-philanthropic network reels from the loss of this influential circle, testing the startup’s survival amid insurance claims and scrutiny.