A pilot was tragically killed after a Cessna Citation jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Mesquite Airport, Texas, on Thursday morning, March 13, 2025. The incident resulted in a massive explosion and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, alarming nearby residents.

Witnesses Report Explosions Before Crash

The aircraft took off around 7:40 AM local time with only the pilot on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Witnesses described seeing the plane struggling before crashing into a wooded area near a creek.

One local resident recounted seeing two explosions before the crash. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, finding the wreckage engulfed in flames.

Authorities Investigate the Crash

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. So far, officials have not released the identity of the pilot, and no information has been provided regarding what may have led to the tragic accident.

No Damage to Homes or Buildings

Fortunately, no homes or buildings were damaged in the crash, authorities confirmed. However, the aftermath left residents shaken. One woman near the scene told FOX 4: “It was not like a regular smell when a house is burning or when you turn on your chimney. It was a different smell.”

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are expected to release further details in the coming days.