NOTE: VIDEO INSIDE THE ARTICLE.
A private jet crash near a regional airport in North Carolina on Thursday morning has left multiple people dead, triggering an intense emergency response and a multi-agency investigation as authorities work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down in flames just moments after takeoff.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation business jet, crashed near the runway at Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:15 a.m., according to local officials. Dramatic images from the scene showed the jet engulfed in a massive fireball, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky and visible from miles away.
Officials have confirmed that there were multiple fatalities, though an exact number of victims has not yet been released. The identities of those killed have also not been made public, pending notification of next of kin.
The jet is reportedly owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company linked to retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Authorities have not confirmed whether Biffle was on board the aircraft at the time of the crash, and no statement has yet been issued on his whereabouts.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene within minutes of the crash. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze, while law enforcement secured the area and assisted in recovery efforts. The scale of the fire complicated initial response efforts, officials said, as the aircraft was largely destroyed on impact.
A representative from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that fatalities occurred but emphasized that responsibility for releasing further details lies with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, which is leading the on-the-ground investigation alongside federal agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Cessna C550, commonly referred to as a Cessna Citation. The jet was attempting to land when it crashed, according to preliminary FAA statements. The model typically accommodates between eight and ten passengers, though it remains unclear how many people were aboard at the time of the incident.
Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft departed from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. It traveled approximately five miles before turning back toward the airport. Investigators have not yet determined why the plane returned so soon after departure or what occurred during those critical minutes.
According to FlightAware data, the aircraft never climbed above 2,000 feet above ground level. Aviation experts note that such a low altitude shortly after takeoff leaves little margin for error in the event of mechanical failure or sudden weather complications.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash are now a central focus of the investigation. Reports indicate that the area was experiencing low cloud cover, reduced visibility of less than three miles, and light drizzle that rapidly intensified into heavier rainfall. While weather alone is rarely cited as the sole cause of an aviation accident, investigators will evaluate whether conditions contributed to the pilot’s ability to safely operate the aircraft.
Witnesses in the vicinity of the airport described seeing the jet flying unusually low before it went down. Several individuals at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club told local media that the aircraft appeared to be struggling moments before impact.
“It was way too low,” one witness said. “You could tell something wasn’t right.”
Statesville Regional Airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, is a city-owned facility that supports both corporate and private aviation. According to airport officials, the facility frequently serves Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, making it a familiar hub for business jets and charter flights.
In a brief statement released Thursday, airport officials confirmed the crash and announced an immediate closure of the facility.
“We can confirm there has been an aircraft incident at the Statesville Regional Airport,” the statement read. “At approximately 10:15 a.m., an aircraft crashed while landing. The Federal Aviation Administration is en route and will investigate the incident.”
During a short press conference held around 12:30 p.m., officials reiterated that the airport would remain closed while investigators worked the scene. They described the investigation as active and ongoing, cautioning that confirmed details would be released incrementally as evidence is reviewed.
The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and North Carolina Highway Patrol are jointly investigating the crash. The NTSB is expected to take the lead role in determining the probable cause, a process that can take months or even longer depending on the complexity of the findings.
Investigators will examine a wide range of factors, including aircraft maintenance records, pilot experience, weather data, air traffic control communications, and any available onboard data or recordings. Given the severity of the fire, recovery of key components may prove challenging.
The Cessna Citation series is widely used for business travel and is generally regarded as a reliable aircraft when properly maintained and operated. Newer and used models can cost up to $2.5 million, depending on configuration and age. While the aircraft has a solid safety record overall, even well-regarded jets are vulnerable to mechanical issues or adverse operating conditions.
The reported ownership of the aircraft has drawn significant attention due to its association with a high-profile sports figure. Greg Biffle, a former NASCAR driver, competed at the highest levels of the sport for years and remains a recognizable name within racing circles. However, authorities have emphasized that ownership alone does not indicate who was aboard the aircraft, and speculation regarding passengers should be avoided until official confirmations are made.
The crash has also revived memories of a previous aviation incident involving Biffle. In 2011, he experienced a landing scare at an airport in Kentucky when a plane he was traveling on reportedly encountered difficulties. That incident did not result in serious injuries, but it underscored the inherent risks associated with private aviation.
As investigators continue their work, officials are urging the public to remain patient and to rely only on verified information released by authorities. They have also asked witnesses who may have captured photos or videos of the aircraft prior to the crash to contact investigators, as such evidence could prove valuable.
For now, the focus remains on identifying the victims, supporting their families, and determining what went wrong during what should have been a routine flight. The crash has sent shockwaves through the local community and the broader aviation world, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can turn tragic.
The investigation is expected to continue in the coming days, with updates anticipated as agencies piece together the final moments of the flight. Until then, officials say the scene will remain secured and the airport closed to ensure the integrity of the evidence.
This remains a developing story.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
