Hualālai Chef Nick Mastrascusa Among Six Killed in Maine Plane Crash

Nick Mastrascusa, a former Four Seasons Resort Hualālai Chef de Cuisine and longtime hospitality executive, was identified as one of six people killed when a Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed after takeoff from Bangor International Airport on January 27, 2026. The accident, which claimed multiple victims, remains under investigation.

Mastrascusa had deep ties to the Big Island culinary community. His career included leadership roles in Hawaii and New York and positions as an executive in hospitality. Mastrascusa is survived by his wife and three children, and his death has prompted immediate community responses on Hawaii Island, where colleagues, friends, and regular diners remembered his contributions to local cuisine and hospitality.

The crash at Bangor International Airport has drawn scrutiny because a business jet was involved and six people perished. Authorities have confirmed multiple victims, and investigators continue to examine flight records, maintenance histories, and other factors that could explain why the Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed after takeoff. Results of those inquiries will affect families of the victims and could have wider implications for aviation safety oversight and charter flight operations used by business travelers and hospitality executives.

For Big Island County residents, the loss reaches beyond a single family. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is a major employer and a touchstone for the Kona coast dining scene; the sudden death of a prominent chef and executive interrupts mentorship chains, planned events, and the daily operations that support local workers and suppliers. Restaurateurs, farmers, fishers, and service workers who collaborated with Mastrascusa and his teams are likely to feel the gap as schedules and menus are adjusted in the coming weeks.

Local fundraising efforts are already underway to support the Mastrascusa family. Community members organizing aid have emphasized the immediate needs of the wife and three children while longer term financial and emotional support is arranged. Details about how to contribute or attend memorials are expected to be announced by community groups and former colleagues of Mastrascusa as plans are finalized.

Investigators have not released a final cause of the crash. Residents who travel frequently on business or who use charter services may follow the investigation closely, as findings could inform regulatory reviews and operational changes. For now, the Big Island community is focused on supporting the Mastrascusa family and honoring a chef whose work linked local produce, hospitality careers, and the island’s dining identity.

This story will develop as authorities release investigation updates and organizers publish specifics about memorials and fundraising; readers should expect announcements from local groups and hospitality organizations in the days ahead.