Citation X Skids Off Runway at Telluride Regional Airport

A Cessna 750 Citation X, registration N772XJ, operated by Jet Excellence LLC, was substantially damaged when it skidded off the runway at Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) on January 13, 2026. The three occupants aboard the aircraft were not injured.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time, with the aircraft arriving from Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. According to preliminary reports, the pilots encountered strong crosswinds and turbulent conditions during landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway.

The pilots reported experiencing airspeed fluctuations between 5 and 10 knots due to the turbulent conditions. Despite deploying spoilers and applying forward pressure on the control column, the aircraft veered to the right and then sharply to the left after touchdown.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the incident. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including collapsed left and right main landing gear.

Airport Challenges

Telluride Regional Airport is known for its challenging operating conditions, situated at an elevation of over 9,000 feet and surrounded by mountains. The airport's approximately 7,000-foot runway can make landings particularly difficult during gusty wind conditions, especially for high-performance aircraft like the Citation X.

The aircraft was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand air taxi flight at the time of the accident.