Fuel System Components Eyed in NetJets Citation Crash

NTSB investigators found separated and fractured fuel system components on the NetJets Cessna Citation Latitude that crash-landed on a highway in Laredo, Texas, on June 16, according to a preliminary report issued by the agency on Friday afternoon. One passenger died in the accident, marking the first-ever fatality during a Part 91K fractional operation. The captain sustained serious injuries while the first officer, three passengers, and one motorist incurred minor injuries.

Both engines flamed out on final approach to Laredo International Airport (KLRD), and the twinjet subsequently landed on a highway approximately one mile from the runway. Security and doorbell cameras captured two instances of fire around the airframe during the approach.

The investigation is ongoing; while no probable cause has been issued, the report implies that the NTSB’s focus is on the aircraft’s fuel system components. A post-crash examination revealed that the right engine fuel pressure switch was found separated from the fuel tube assembly, and the fuel tube assembly was fractured adjacent to the weld joint for the attachment tube leading to the fuel pressure switch, according to the report. Multiple P-clamps on the fuel tube assembly were also found fractured, and the right engine starter generator was missing screws.

“Upon removal of the starter generator, the starter generator shaft was found bent, the cooling fan was fractured, and multiple cooling fan blades and ball bearings were found when the generator was removed,” the report noted. “The cooling fan shroud also contained circumferential scoring marks.” The fuel tube assembly, starter generator, and multiple components were sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for further examination.

The aircraft, N523QS, departed Los Cabos International Airport (MMSD) for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS). Early in the flight, the crew contacted the NetJets Flight Operations Duty Manager (FODM) to report an unusual vibration, describing it as “a low frequency vibration and a humming noise…it sounds like a fan is on…you can feel it in the dashboard…it was on steady during the climb, but it is gone now.” NetJets maintenance joined the call and suggested the vibration might stem from an avionics cooling fan. A Crew Alerting System (CAS) message, “BOTH ON ADC 1,” was resolved via the Quick Reference Handbook, and following further discussion with maintenance and the FODM, it was determined the flight could continue to Austin.

As the airplane approached the U.S./Mexico border, right-side system CAS messages began appearing: “FUEL BST PUMP ON R,” followed seconds later by “FUEL PRESS LOW R;” approximately three minutes after that, “ELEC TRU FAIL R” and “WSHLD HEAT INOP R,” and roughly 11 minutes later, “FUEL LEVEL LOW R.”

The crew declared an emergency with Monterrey Area Control Center, which handed off to Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). On initial contact, the crew reported a generator failure and “multiple other failures,” including a low fuel level, and requested diversion to KLRD. When Houston ARTCC asked if they needed time to execute checklists, the crew stated they were ready and requested a visual approach to a five-mile final for runway 36L. Due to the airplane’s altitude, Houston ARTCC issued a 270-degree right turn to establish a 14-mile final.

When the right engine flamed out on final approach, followed seconds later by the left, the first officer, acting as pilot monitoring, queried Laredo tower: “Is there a field off to our right?” The tower replied: “Negative, there are no other fields next to you.” The first officer then asked about open pastures or fields, and the tower responded: “It’s just going to be the main highway, and that’s just about it.”

The crew touched down on the northbound lanes of the Bob Bullock Loop, where the airplane sheared several light poles, struck a vehicle, and came to rest straddling the right edge of an overpass with the fuselage rolled onto its right side. Five occupants egressed through the main cabin door. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," NetJets said in a statement to AIN. The [NTSB] preliminary report does not contain findings, conclusions, or a determination of probable cause. As an official participant in the investigation, NetJets cannot comment or speculate about the ongoing investigation. We will continue to work with the NTSB through the course of their investigation.

"Safety is our first and highest priority—it’s at the heart of everything we do. We remain committed to operational excellence and providing a safe and high-quality experience for our customers every day.”