One person was killed and five others were injured when a business jet crashed near Laredo International Airport late Tuesday night, June 16, 2026.
According to authorities, a Cessna Citation Latitude operating as a NetJets aircraft went down on Loop 20 near Laredo International Airport after the pilot reported mechanical trouble. The jet, which had departed San José del Cabo, Mexico, and was bound for Austin, caught fire after impact.
The crash happened shortly after 10 p.m., closing both the northbound and southbound lanes of Loop 20 near the City Hall Annex. Six people were aboard the aircraft at the time, which also struck a vehicle on the roadway as it came down.
Officials with the Laredo Police Department said airport tower personnel lost contact with the aircraft after the pilot reported a mechanical problem. A crash landing was reported a short time later.
Victim Identified as Austin Tech Leader Joshua Baer
Capital Factory confirmed that its co-founder and CEO, Joshua Baer of Austin, was the passenger who died in the crash. The five other people aboard the aircraft survived and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Five responding officers were also taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and the person in the vehicle struck by the aircraft was transported in stable condition. Authorities continue to work with family members and have not released additional identities at this time.
Authorities Investigating the Cause of the Laredo Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation into the crash.
The cause of the accident has not been determined, and authorities have released limited information while the investigation remains ongoing.
In aviation investigations of this type, officials typically examine:
- Aircraft maintenance records and service history
- Flight data and cockpit voice recordings
- Aircraft systems for potential mechanical or equipment failures
- Air traffic control communications leading up to the crash
- Physical evidence recovered from the crash site
“Our thoughts are with the families affected by this devastating event,” said DJC Law attorney Andres Pereira. “While the investigation is in its early stages, it is important that all facts surrounding the aircraft, its maintenance history, operational decisions, and any potential mechanical issues be thoroughly examined.”
Aviation Emergencies Require Rapid Decision-Making
Aviation emergencies can develop in seconds, leaving flight crews little time to assess the situation and respond. Pilots are trained to communicate with air traffic control, follow established emergency procedures, and take steps to protect both passengers and people on the ground when problems arise in flight.
When a serious accident occurs, investigators work to reconstruct exactly what happened in the moments before the crash. Pinpointing a cause is often a complex process that can take months and may involve reviewing aircraft records, communications, physical evidence, and witness accounts.
Thorough investigations play an important role in identifying safety concerns and helping prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Supporting Families Following a Fatal Aviation Accident
At DJC Law, our hearts go out to the family of the person who lost their life in this tragic crash, as well as to those who were injured and the first responders who assisted at the scene.
After a fatal aviation accident, families are often left searching for answers about what happened and whether the crash could have been prevented. Understanding the cause is frequently essential—both for families seeking closure and for ensuring that similar tragedies are avoided in the future.
If your family has lost a loved one, or you were injured in an aviation accident, you may have legal options to seek accountability and compensation.
DJC Law is available 24/7 to provide guidance and support. Call DJC Law today at (512) 888-9999 for a free consultation to learn your rights and explore your legal options.
