Multiple Fatalities in Private Jet Crash at Statesville Regional Airport

A Cessna C550 business jet crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina in United States, resulting in multiple fatalities, authorities confirmed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft, tail number N257BW, went down around 10:20 a.m. local time shortly after takeoff from the same airport. Flight tracking data shows the plane departed briefly before turning back for an emergency landing attempt.

The FAA confirmed up to six people were on board. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office reported multiple confirmed deaths, with local sources indicating no survivors.

Public records link the plane to GB Aviation Leasing, a company associated with former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. While officials have not released victim identities pending notification of next of kin, unconfirmed reports from family friends and media suggest Biffle and members of his family may have been among those on board.

The aircraft was a Cessna Citation II (C550), a twin-engine light business jet commonly used for private and corporate travel.

Weather at the time included fog and low visibility, though it remains unclear if conditions played a role. Witnesses reported the plane flying low before impact.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, supported by the FAA. Statesville Regional Airport, which serves corporate clients and NASCAR-related aviation, remains closed indefinitely.