NTSB Focuses on Engine Generator in Fatal Laredo Citation Crash

Preliminary investigation of NetJets accident reveals failed right engine starter generator after reports of unusual in-flight vibrations.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, July 13, 2026 at 10:02 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Cessna Citation Latitude [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots of the crashed Cessna Citation Latitude initially reported unusual vibrations and humming after takeoff, which they troubleshooted with ground control and decided to monitor, continuing the flight.
Mid-flight, the aircraft experienced multiple critical failures, including issues with the right fuel and electrical systems, prompting an emergency declaration and diversion to Laredo International Airport.
On final approach, both engines flamed out, leading to a fiery crash landing on a Texas highway, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries to occupants and ground personnel.
NTSB's preliminary investigation is focusing on the right engine's starter generator, which was found with missing screws, a bent shaft, and a fractured cooling fan, nearing its overhaul limit.

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Pilots aboard the Cessna Citation Latitude that crashed in Laredo, Texas, in June reported detecting an unusual vibration in the aircraft shortly after takeoff from Los Cabos, Mexico (MMSD), according to the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The aircraft, owned by fractional ownership company NetJets, was heading for Austin, Texas, when the flight crew notified the NetJets flight operations duty manager (FODM) about what they described as a “low frequency vibration and a humming noise. It sounds like a fan is on.”