STATESVILLE, N.C. — Emergency crews and aviation authorities are responding to a deadly aircraft crash involving a small private jet at Statesville Regional Airport late Tuesday morning.
According to preliminary information, a Cessna 550 Citation II aircraft crashed at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. Public aviation records show the jet is registered to a company owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Early reports varied on whether the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff or while attempting to land, though later indications suggest the crash occurred during a landing sequence.
Officials confirmed that six people were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. As of the latest update, five fatalities have been confirmed. The condition and identity of the remaining occupant have not been officially released. Authorities have also not released the names of any of those on board.
There have been unconfirmed reports circulating that Greg Biffle, along with his wife and children, may have been among the passengers. Officials have not verified this information, and authorities caution the public that these reports should be treated as unconfirmed until official identification is made and next of kin are notified.
Emergency responders remain on scene, and the crash site has been secured as investigators begin their assessment. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
A press conference is scheduled for approximately 12:00 p.m., during which officials are expected to provide updated details, including confirmation of casualties, passenger information, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This is a developing situation, and information may change as more verified details become available.