STATESVILLE, N.C. — A deadly plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County left multiple people dead on Thursday morning, according to local officials.
The crash involved a Cessna C550 aircraft and happened around 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 18. The Iredell County Sheriff confirmed that several people were killed, though authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said six people were on board the plane. It remains unclear if anyone survived.
Photos taken at the airport show the aircraft engulfed in flames after crashing on the runway. Flight tracking data indicates the jet took off from Statesville Regional Airport at about 10:06 a.m. and was headed to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in Florida.
FAA registration records show the plane, tail number N257BW, is owned by GB Aviation Leasing — a company affiliated with retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Officials have not confirmed who was aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich shared flight data showing the plane turned around shortly after takeoff and attempted to land back at the airport before crashing.
Federal, state, and local agencies responded to the scene, including Iredell County officials, Statesville personnel, the FAA, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Statesville City Manager Ron Smith said all agencies are now on site and the investigation is expected to take significant time.
Statesville Regional Airport confirmed the “aircraft incident” in a Facebook post, noting that the FAA is leading the investigation. The airport has been closed until further notice while crews work to clear the wreckage and determine the cause of the crash.
In a statement, Paul L. Hoback Jr. expressed condolences, saying officials are “deeply saddened” by the crash and that their thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and the first responders assisting at the scene.
Statesville Regional Airport is owned by the city and serves corporate aviation clients, including Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams. It is located about 10 minutes from downtown Statesville near the I-77 and I-40 interchange.
WCNC Charlotte and other local outlets say the investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released as authorities continue their work.
