STATESVILLE, N.C. — A devastating Statesville crash at the regional airport has claimed multiple lives after a business jet caught fire while attempting to land Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the NASCAR community and local residents.
December 18, 2025 – Breaking News
Deadly Statesville Crash Unfolds at Regional Airport
The fatal Statesville crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Thursday when a Cessna C550 business jet experienced a catastrophic failure during its landing attempt at Statesville Regional Airport. The aircraft quickly became engulfed in flames upon impact, creating a scene of devastation that emergency responders described as one of the worst aviation incidents in the area’s recent history.
Emergency crews from the West Iredell Fire Department, Statesville Fire Department, Iredell EMS, and Iredell County Rescue Squad rushed to the Statesville crash site as thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage. An airport employee described hearing a loud boom that shook her hangar before witnessing flames and fire everywhere.
Multiple Deaths Confirmed in Statesville Crash
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed multiple fatalities in the Statesville crash. Sheriff’s officials indicated that it is believed no one aboard the aircraft survived the devastating incident. The exact number of passengers and their identities have not yet been released as authorities work to notify next of kin.
Local authorities have secured the Statesville crash scene and are working closely with federal investigators to determine what caused this tragic aviation accident.
Statesville Crash Timeline: Critical Flight Moments
Flight tracking data reveals the harrowing final moments before the Statesville crash. The Cessna Citation 550 departed Statesville Regional Airport around 10 a.m. from runway 10, traveled approximately five miles, then made a near-immediate left turn back toward the airport. The aircraft never climbed higher than 2,000 feet before the fatal Statesville crash occurred.
Flight logs indicate the aircraft was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph at the time of the accident, with data transmission stopping just moments before the impact that led to the Statesville crash.
Weather Conditions May Have Contributed to Statesville Crash
Investigators are examining whether adverse weather played a role in the Statesville crash. A witness from nearby Lakewood Golf Club observed that the plane was “way too low” before the incident. Fog was present at the time of the Statesville crash, and low clouds, light rain, and visibility of less than three miles were reported about 80 minutes after the accident.
Helicopter news crews attempting to reach the Statesville crash scene were forced to turn back due to inclement weather that limited visibility to approximately five miles, highlighting the challenging conditions in the area.
NASCAR Connection to Statesville Crash
The Statesville crash has particularly impacted the motorsports community. Public records confirm that the crashed aircraft, bearing tail number N257BW, is registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a limited liability company with North Carolina business records showing former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle as the company’s manager. Biffle enjoyed a successful 20-year NASCAR career with 19 Cup Series victories.
It remains unclear whether Biffle was aboard the aircraft during the Statesville crash. The plane was scheduled to fly from Statesville to Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in Florida before the fatal incident occurred.
Federal Investigation into Statesville Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the Statesville crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide updates as the inquiry into the fatal aviation accident progresses.
Statesville Regional Airport has been closed until further notice to allow federal investigators to examine the Statesville crash site and gather critical evidence. The airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, serves as an uncontrolled facility without a control tower. Pilots operating at the airport must self-report their positions using a common radio frequency.
Statesville Crash Impact on Local Community
The tragic Statesville crash has sent ripples of concern through the tight-knit NASCAR community and local residents. Statesville Regional Airport plays a vital role in the region’s economy and motorsports industry, providing corporate aviation services for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
As news of the Statesville crash spread, prayers and support began pouring in for those affected by the devastating incident. Officials held a news conference at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET, confirming that the jet crashed at the end of the east runway. However, authorities declined to provide specific details about casualties or take questions from the media as the investigation into the Statesville crash remains in its early stages.
What Caused the Statesville Crash?
As federal investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the Statesville crash, many questions remain unanswered. The NTSB will examine multiple factors including:
- Weather conditions at the time of the Statesville crash
- Mechanical issues that may have led to the Statesville crash
- Pilot actions and communications before the Statesville crash
- Aircraft maintenance records and history
- Eyewitness accounts of the Statesville crash
The investigation into the Statesville crash is expected to take several months as authorities thoroughly analyze flight data recorders, wreckage patterns, and all available evidence to determine what caused the Cessna C550 to catch fire while landing at the North Carolina airport.
Latest Updates on Statesville Crash
The Statesville crash investigation continues as federal authorities work around the clock to uncover the cause of this tragic aviation accident. The community remains in mourning as details about the victims of the Statesville crash are awaited.
This is a developing story about the Statesville crash. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from federal investigators and local authorities regarding this devastating incident at Statesville Regional Airport.