One Killed as NetJets Citation Latitude Crashes on Texas Highway

One Killed as NetJets Citation Latitude Crashes on Texas Highway

LAREDO, Texas — One person was killed and five others were injured Tuesday when a NetJets-operated Cessna 680A Citation Latitude, registration N523QS, crashed during an emergency landing on a highway near Laredo, Texas. The aircraft, which was transporting six occupants from San José del Cabo, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, struck a concrete barrier on Texas State Highway Loop 20, causing the fuselage to break into two sections and igniting a fire in the forward cabin, according to the Aviation Safety Network (ASN).

Flight data indicates the aircraft climbed to a cruising altitude of FL430 (43,000 feet) before commencing a descent toward Laredo International Airport (LRD) at 02:27 UTC. While executing a 270-degree descending turn and lining up for an approach to runway 36L, the aircraft veered right and aligned with the elevated section of Loop 20. Dashcam footage captured the jet striking three lamp posts before coming to a halt.

Local media and industry reports have identified the deceased passenger as Joshua Baer, founder of the Austin-based startup accelerator Capital Factory.

According to the Laredo Airport Director, the flight crew reported low fuel and a power outage prior to the crash. First responders and bystanders were seen on video smashing cockpit windows and forcing open doors to evacuate survivors. The Laredo Morning Times reported that the pilot was among those transported to a local hospital.

Investigation Ongoing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident. While some social media reports suggested an engine fire occurred prior to impact, the official cause has not been determined. NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway-owned fractional ownership company, confirmed the fatality and stated it is cooperating with federal investigators.

The aircraft was destroyed and written off, according to ASN records. The Citation Latitude is a modern mid-size business jet that entered service in 2015 and is a core aircraft type in the NetJets fleet.

This is a developing story. ANN will provide updates as the NTSB investigation progresses.