Statesville, North Carolina, December 19, 2025
A Cessna C550 business jet tragically crashed at Statesville Regional Airport resulting in multiple fatalities. The aircraft, linked to retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, encountered engine trouble while attempting to land. The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. with debris reported at a nearby golf course. The FAA and NTSB have initiated investigations to uncover the cause, with preliminary reports indicating at least six deceased on board. Further identity confirmation of the victims is pending the medical examiner’s verification.
Statesville, North Carolina
Multiple fatalities were confirmed following a business jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna C550 business jet, crashed while attempting to land after reportedly experiencing engine trouble shortly after takeoff. Authorities later confirmed the deaths of at least six individuals aboard the plane, with some reports indicating seven occupants were on board and deceased.
The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time when the jet, registered to GB Aviation Leasing and linked to retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, departed the airport. Flight tracking data indicated the plane turned back towards the airport, attempting to land before the crash occurred at the end of the runway. Witnesses at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club described seeing the jet flying unusually low before a significant impact and subsequent fire. Debris from the crash was scattered onto the golf course, including the ninth hole.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the crash to determine its cause. The NTSB dispatched a team of investigators, who were expected to arrive at the scene on Thursday evening and planned to hold a briefing on Friday, December 19, 2025. The investigation will encompass various factors, including aircraft performance, mechanical systems, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, weather conditions, and air traffic control communications.
Initial reports from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol indicated that, while post-crash fire prevented immediate definitive identification of occupants, it was believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were among those on board. However, official confirmation of the victims’ identities is pending verification by the medical examiner’s office.
Airport and Weather Conditions
The Statesville Regional Airport (KSVH), a public, city-owned general aviation airport, serves Iredell County and the surrounding area. Located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, it is known for providing corporate aviation facilities for companies, including several NASCAR teams. The airport features a single 7,003-foot asphalt runway and a full parallel taxiway, capable of handling various corporate aircraft.
Weather conditions in the area on Thursday were reported to include light drizzle and cloud cover. The Carolinas experienced a rainy day generally. However, investigators have not yet stated whether weather played a direct role in the crash.
About the Cessna C550 Business Jet
The Cessna C550 Citation II is a widely recognized light business jet, celebrated for its efficiency and capability to access smaller airports. This popular model typically offers comfortable seating for six to seven passengers, with some configurations accommodating up to eight. Known for its performance, the aircraft is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney engines and has a maximum endurance of approximately 4.5 hours, with a range of up to 1,900 nautical miles. The Citation II, first introduced into service in 1978, has been a significant presence in the private jet industry due to its operational economy and widespread appeal.
The NTSB’s investigation process is thorough and multi-staged, beginning with initial notification and on-site fact-gathering. Investigators secure the crash site, document wreckage patterns, collect data from witnesses and air traffic controllers, and recover flight data recorders, often referred to as “black boxes”. The wreckage is frequently moved to a secure facility for more detailed examination. Following the factual report, a probable cause report, which may take 12 to 24 months to complete, will be issued, detailing the most likely factors that led to the accident. The ultimate goal of these investigations is to determine the probable cause of accidents and issue safety recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened at Statesville Regional Airport?
- A Cessna C550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County on Thursday, December 18, 2025, resulting in multiple fatalities. The plane reportedly experienced engine trouble and crashed while attempting to land after takeoff.
- When did the plane crash occur?
- The crash occurred on Thursday, December 18, 2025, around 10:15 a.m. local time.
- How many people died in the crash?
- Multiple fatalities were confirmed. Authorities later confirmed the deaths of at least six individuals aboard the plane, with some reports indicating seven occupants were on board and deceased.
- What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
- The aircraft involved was a Cessna C550 business jet, also known as a Cessna Citation II.
- Who is investigating the plane crash?
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are jointly investigating the cause of the crash.
- Was retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle involved?
- The crashed aircraft was registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company linked to retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. While a definitive list of occupants is pending, it was believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were among those on board.
- What are the typical characteristics of a Cessna C550 Citation II?
- The Cessna C550 Citation II is a light business jet designed for 6-7 passengers, known for its cost-efficiency and ability to operate from smaller airports. It has two Pratt & Whitney engines and a range of up to 1,900 nautical miles.
Key Features of the Cessna C550 Citation II
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Light business jet | Nationwide |
| Passenger Capacity | Typically 6-7 passengers; up to 8 | Nationwide |
| Engines | Two Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines | Nationwide |
| Cruise Speed | Up to 374 knots | Nationwide |
| Range | Up to 1,900 nautical miles | Nationwide |
| Known For | Cost-efficiency, access to smaller airports | Nationwide |
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