Statesville Jet Crash Kills Multiple; Investigations Underway Now
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Statesville, N.C. — A Cessna C550 business jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning, erupting in flames and causing multiple fatalities, officials said. The FAA and NTSB opened investigations into the Dec. 18 accident, and the airport closed while crews cleared debris. Flight tracking showed the aircraft took off and then turned back to land; FAA records link the plane to GB Aviation Leasing, which is affiliated with former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Local fire and rescue units attended the scene. Authorities have not released passenger identities. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
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Timeline
- 1. Flight departed Statesville Regional Airport shortly before 10:10 a.m. on Dec. 18.
- 2. The aircraft turned back and attempted to land around 10:15–10:20 a.m.; it crashed on the runway and caught fire.
- 3. First responders from local fire, EMS and rescue units arrived and fought the blaze; video recorded scattered wreckage.
- 4. Iredell County sheriff publicly confirmed multiple fatalities later the same day; airport officials closed the field.
- 5. FAA and NTSB opened formal investigations; flight tracking and ownership records were reported in subsequent local coverage.
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