STATESVILLE, N.C. — Emergency crews and aviation authorities are responding to reports of a fatal aircraft crash involving a small private jet at Statesville Regional Airport, an incident that has drawn national attention due to public aviation records linking the aircraft to a company owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
According to preliminary information, the aircraft involved is a Cessna 550 Citation II, a twin-engine business jet commonly used for private and corporate travel. The crash was reported at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from local fire departments, law enforcement, airport officials, and emergency medical services.
Early accounts regarding the circumstances of the crash have varied. Some reports suggest the jet went down shortly after takeoff, while others indicate the aircraft may have been attempting to land at the time of the incident. Officials have not yet confirmed the precise phase of flight when the crash occurred, and investigators caution that initial details are subject to change as the scene is examined more thoroughly.
Authorities have confirmed that six individuals were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. As of the latest update, five fatalities have been confirmed. The condition and identity of the remaining occupant have not been officially released, and officials have not provided information on whether that individual was transported to a medical facility.
At this time, no names of the victims have been released, and authorities have not confirmed who was onboard the aircraft. While unconfirmed reports circulating online and through social media suggest that Greg Biffle, along with his wife and children, may have been among those on the plane, officials have emphasized that this information has not been verified and should be treated strictly as unconfirmed until an official statement is made.
Emergency responders remain on scene at Statesville Regional Airport, where the crash site has been secured to preserve evidence. Portions of the airport have been restricted as investigators conduct their initial assessment, and airport operations may experience disruptions while the investigation is underway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to take the lead in the investigation. The FAA will focus on air traffic control operations and regulatory compliance, while the NTSB will conduct a comprehensive examination of the wreckage, flight data, maintenance records, and pilot history to determine the cause of the crash.
A press conference is scheduled for approximately 12:00 p.m., during which officials are expected to provide updated information, including confirmation of the number of victims, clarification on passenger identities, and additional details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
This remains a developing situation, and authorities stress that details may change as more verified information becomes available. The public is urged to rely on official updates from investigators and emergency officials as the investigation progresses.
