Cessna Citation Jet Crashes Near Statesville Airport, Five Fatalities Confirmed
Authorities are investigating a fatal aviation crash involving a small private jet at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina late Tuesday morning.
According to preliminary information, a Cessna 550 Citation II aircraft went down near the airport at approximately 10:30 a.m. while attempting to land. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately, and the area remains an active investigation scene.
Officials confirmed that six people were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. Five individuals were pronounced deceased, while the condition of the sixth occupant has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The aircraft is publicly registered to a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Authorities have not confirmed whether Biffle was among the passengers, and no identities of those on board have been released at this time.
Initial emergency radio traffic suggested the jet may have crashed shortly after takeoff, but later reports clarified that the aircraft was in the process of landing when the incident occurred.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, weather conditions, and aircraft systems as part of the inquiry.
A press conference is scheduled for noon, during which officials are expected to provide updated casualty information and additional details regarding the investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to lead the investigation.
This remains a developing situation, and authorities caution that information may change as the investigation continues.
