Five Killed in Fatal Private Jet Crash at Statesville Airport; Aircraft Linked to NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle A tragic aviation disaster struck **Statesville Regional Airport** in **North Carolina** on the morning of **December 18, 2025**, when a **Cessna Citation C550 business jet** crashed while attempting to land, resulting in the deaths of at least **five people** aboard the aircraft.
The jet, registered **N257BW**, is linked through public records to **retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle**, drawing immediate national and international attention to the incident.The small corporate jet departed Statesville shortly after **10 a.m. EST** but turned back and crashed near the runway just minutes later, erupting in flames on impact.
Investigators and emergency responders were quickly on the scene as fire crews battled the blaze and secured the perimeter. Local law enforcement confirmed multiple fatalities at the scene, and while identities have not been officially released, the link to Biffle’s aviation company has raised concern that notable individuals may have been among those onboard.
Statesville Regional Airport, a facility serving general aviation and corporate flights near **Charlotte**, was closed following the crash while debris was cleared and investigators from the **Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)** and the **National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)** conducted early inquiries.
Officials have not yet confirmed the full passenger list, and authorities are urging the public to await official notifications as next of kin are informed. Witnesses in the area described seeing the aircraft flying unusually low before the impact, which scattered debris across nearby areas, including parts of a local golf course. Weather conditions at the time included
low clouds and drizzle, though investigators have not yet determined if weather played a role.The tragic crash has prompted an outpouring of shock and condolences from the motorsports community and beyond, as fans and colleagues await further details on the victims and the ongoing investigation.If you’d like, I can help draft a **condolence statement** or **tribute** suitable for social media or publication.
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