Telluride, Colorado – A private jet skidded off the runway during landing Tuesday at Telluride Regional Airport after strong, gusting winds pushed the aircraft off course, according to local authorities. The incident caused temporary closure of the airport but resulted in no injuries.
Gusting Crosswinds Forced Aircraft Off Runway
According to a statement shared by the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, the pilot reported that a powerful crosswind struck the aircraft moments after touchdown.
“Just after the plane’s wheels touched down, a strong, gusting crosswind hit the plane’s profile, shoving it off the runway,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officials said the aircraft skidded roughly 300 yards before coming to a stop off the runway after its landing gear collapsed.
Three On Board, No Injuries Reported
At the time of the incident, three people were on board the aircraft. Authorities confirmed that all occupants were able to exit the plane on their own and were not injured.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the runway excursion and secured the area as a precaution.
Aircraft Sustains Significant Damage
The aircraft involved was identified as a Cessna Citation X, a high-performance private jet. Officials said the plane suffered damage to multiple components, including:
- Left wing
- Nose wheel
- Left main landing gear
The extent of the damage remains under assessment.
Airport Closed as Federal Investigation Begins
Following the incident, Telluride Regional Airport was closed, disrupting scheduled arrivals and departures. The closure allowed investigators to safely examine the runway and aircraft.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the exact cause of the runway excursion and assess whether weather conditions or other factors played a role.
Weather Conditions Under Review
High winds are common in mountainous regions like southwestern Colorado, and investigators are expected to closely examine wind speed, direction, and runway conditions at the time of landing.
Airport officials have not yet announced when normal operations will resume, pending clearance from federal authorities.
