A private jet carrying eight people crashed during takeoff from Bangor, Maine. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet. Local media sources indicated that the airport was closed following the incident, but no information about injuries has been released. 

We now know that the aircraft is registered to a Houston-based corporation.

Bangor, Maine, plane crash ownership linked to a large Texas law firm, and prominent Texas Athletics donors.

The aircraft involved in the incident is a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet. Shortly after the announcement, social media quickly linked the jet to the Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin. Eight people were confirmed to be on board, but no further details about their identities or the purpose of the flight—whether personal or business—have been released. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

It also remains unclear whether the passengers included name partners and Texas Athletics donors Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin.

🚨#BREAKING: A Bombardier Challenger 650 small passenger jet has crashed with eight business passengers on board. Reports indicate injuries.

📌#Penobscot | #Maine

At this time, numerous emergency crews are on the scene following the crash of a Bombardier 650 aircraft at Bangor… pic.twitter.com/CO37ST8yjX

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 26, 2026

Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin are the partners of the Arnold Itkin law firm. Both lawyers are graduates of the University of Texas and have recently made one of the largest donations in the school’s history. Their contribution enabled the installation of their names on the 45-foot-tall by 160-foot-wide video scoreboard at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

The University said that over the past nine years, the Arnold and Itkin families, along with their foundations, have pledged millions of dollars to support the program. Their financial efforts have increased the availability of essential resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive support for the athletics department’s growth.

According to a release at the time of the donation, the Kurt & Tara Arnold Family Foundation and the Jason & Kisha Itkin Family Foundation have collectively pledged $40 million to support the athletics program. The two have won more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements since founding Arnold & Itkin.