Hawaiian chef Nick Mastrascusa named as the victim in the plane crash in Maine

Tragic Plane Crash in Maine Claims Six Lives

A chef from Hawaii has been confirmed as one of the six individuals who lost their lives in a plane crash at Bangor International Airport in Maine over the weekend.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Bombardier Challenger 600, which was heading to Paris, flipped during takeoff and caught fire around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, coinciding with Winter Storm Fern.

A GoFundMe page announced the devastating news about Nick Masticusa, who was not only a parent and coach but also a cherished friend. It states that he passed away in the tragic accident, leaving behind his “beloved Natalia” and three children aged 9, 5, and 2.

The jet belonged to a partner at Arnold & Itkin Trial Lawyers, a personal injury law firm based in Houston. Reports indicated that Tara Arnold, the wife of co-founder Kurt Arnold, was also on the ill-fated flight.

Additionally, pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, was one of the casualties, as confirmed by his father. Another victim has been identified as Shauna Collins.

Known for his extensive culinary expertise, Masticusa served as the executive vice president of hospitality at Beyond, a luxury travel company established by the Arnolds. His biography highlights him as an award-winning chef with over 20 years of experience in high-end culinary settings, most recently as the Executive Chef at Kukio Golf and Beach Club in Hawaii.

The cause of the crash has yet to be determined by the FAA, which cited “unknown circumstances” at the time of the plane’s departure. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been alerted and will conduct an investigation.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with reports of air traffic controllers expressing alarm once they realized the plane was upside down. Interestingly, the first aircraft to take off that night had canceled its flight due to poor visibility, although conditions were described as relatively calm with temperatures near freezing and minimal snowfall.