Plane Crash at Statesville Airport Leaves Multiple Dead; Reports Link Aircraft to Greg Biffle
Emergency crews and aviation authorities are investigating a deadly crash involving a small private jet at Statesville Regional Airport on Sunday morning.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 550 Citation II, went down around 10:30 a.m. local time under circumstances that remain unclear. Initial emergency radio traffic suggested the plane may have crashed shortly after takeoff, but later reports indicate the jet was attempting to land when the incident occurred.
Public aviation records show the aircraft is registered to a company owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Officials confirmed that six people were on board at the time of the crash. Five fatalities have been confirmed, while the condition of the remaining occupant has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Authorities have not officially released the identities of those on board. However, Garrett Mitchell confirmed to Channel2 NOW that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their son Ryder were believed to be aboard the aircraft while traveling to spend the afternoon with him. Mitchell said he does not yet know whether Biffle’s daughter was also on the plane. Officials have not independently verified this information.
Emergency responders secured the crash site as investigators began preliminary assessments. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Authorities have urged the public to treat circulating reports with caution until passenger identities and additional details are formally confirmed.
A press conference is expected to provide updated information as the investigation continues.
