NetJets Citation Longitude Lands Without Nose Gear at Ohio Airport

A NetJets Cessna Citation Longitude executed an emergency landing without its nose gear at Akron-Canton Airport in Ohio, coming to rest on the runway after the front landing gear failed to deploy. Both pilots on board, who were the only occupants, walked away unharmed.

The business jet, operated by the world's largest fractional aircraft ownership provider as Flight EJA803 from Washington Dulles International Airport, touched down on its main landing gear on Runway 1 around 12:53 p.m. on August 18, 2026, with the pilot holding the nose off the pavement for several seconds before it settled onto the runway. 

According to available reports, the flight crew attempted to extend the landing gear during approach but could not get the nose gear to deploy. The pilots circled the airport multiple times running through emergency checklists before committing to the landing, a standard approach that helps burn off fuel and reduce landing weight, minimizing the risk of fire and structural damage.

The Citation Longitude, registered N803QS, represents one of the newer additions to the NetJets fleet. The super-midsize jet received FAA type certification in September 2019, seats up to 12 passengers, and offers a maximum range of approximately 3,500 nautical miles, powered by two Honeywell HTF7700L turbofan engines; Textron Aviation manufactures the aircraft. 

NetJets operates one of the largest private aviation fleets in the world, with hundreds of aircraft serving clients across North America, Europe, and other regions. The company has built its reputation on safety protocols and pilot training standards that meet or exceed commercial airline requirements.

Immediate Response

Airport operations teams closed the affected runway following the incident to allow investigators to document the scene and remove the aircraft. Flight operations at the airport experienced temporary disruptions as crews worked to clear the runway and inspect its surface for damage.

Video and photographs from the scene showed the Citation Longitude's main landing gear touching down first while the pilot kept the nose raised, before it gradually settled onto the pavement as the aircraft slowed to a stop. The aircraft sustained damage to its nose and underside; the full extent remains under evaluation.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. Investigators will examine the aircraft's maintenance history, flight data, and mechanical components to determine what caused the nose gear failure, which had not been established as of the latest reports.

Landing gear malfunctions rank among the more common mechanical issues affecting modern jet aircraft, though incidents resulting in gear-up or partial-gear landings remain relatively rare due to redundant systems and emergency extension procedures. A malfunction affecting only one of three gear legs, as in this case, is a particularly uncommon variant of an already rare event; most gear failures affect all landing gear at once.

NetJets has not released a detailed statement addressing the specific mechanical failure, though the company confirmed the safety of those on board and said it is cooperating with investigators.

Safety Record Context

Local officials and witnesses, including a nearby pilot who filmed the landing, described the outcome as a well-executed emergency response under difficult circumstances. Textron Aviation says the Citation Longitude incorporates advanced avionics and automated safety systems designed to reduce pilot workload during emergencies.

Business aviation industry observers note that gear-up or partial-gear landings, while dramatic in appearance, rarely result in injuries when handled by trained professional pilots. Aircraft manufacturers design landing gear systems with multiple failure modes in mind, and pilots train extensively for such scenarios during recurrent simulator sessions.

The runway reopened after crews removed the aircraft and completed a full surface inspection. No passengers were involved, as the flight was operating with only its two-pilot crew on board.