The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a preliminary investigation into the fatal crash of a private jet in Laredo, Texas, that resulted in the death of a technology CEO and injuries to five others. The incident occurred on Loop 20 after the aircraft attempted an emergency landing.

Mitchell Gallo, an NTSB air safety investigator, arrived in Laredo on Wednesday to examine the wreckage, which had been removed from the highway. Despite initial reports from Laredo International Airport and Laredo Police Department indicating mechanical difficulties prior to the crash, investigators have not yet identified a definitive cause. “There is nothing to point to at this point,” Gallo said Thursday, noting that the team is focused on gathering basic data to narrow the investigation’s scope.

The six passengers aboard the Cessna Citation Latitude were all male, including two pilots aged 63 and 29. The other passengers were a 50-year-old man, a 17-year-old, and two 16-year-olds. The 50-year-old who died was identified as Joshua Baer, founder of Capital Factory, a prominent technology incubator. Authorities confirmed that one of the 16-year-olds was related to Baer.

The investigation is encompassing several areas including the aircraft’s systems and the operation of the flight. Investigators are conducting interviews, analyzing physical evidence, and reviewing data from both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. The cockpit voice recorder was scheduled to be read the day following Gallo’s briefing, providing insight into the communication and sounds during the flight’s final moments.

Flight data recorder information typically includes details such as aircraft speed and engine performance, which will be cross-referenced with evidence from the crash site. Should any issues arise with the flight data recorder itself, the investigative team will revisit the aircraft to determine the cause.

Following the crash, the aircraft was transported to a hangar at Laredo International Airport, where investigators are conducting a meticulous field study involving extensive photography, documentation, and thorough exterior inspections. More comprehensive examinations are planned as the investigation proceeds to avoid compromising any potential evidence.

Gallo noted that investigations of this nature often take a year or longer due to the complexity of evidence collection, testing, and analysis. A factual preliminary report is expected within approximately 15 days and will be made publicly available on the NTSB website. The final report, containing a detailed analysis and probable cause, typically follows after additional months of work.

In parallel with on-site investigation efforts, authorities are reviewing photos and videos provided by witnesses. Residents who captured images or footage of the crash or related events are encouraged to submit them directly to the NTSB via its website or by email referencing case number CEN26FA228.

The NTSB’s current focus remains on assembling comprehensive background information and documenting all relevant evidence before advancing to in-depth analysis.