A tragic plane crash occurred at a regional airport in North Carolina on Thursday, resulting in multiple fatalities. The incident involved a business jet, specifically a Cessna C550, which caught fire upon landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:20 a.m.
Details of the Crash
According to Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell, there were confirmed fatalities, although the exact number has not been disclosed. The aircraft was reported to have six individuals on board, as stated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is currently collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the investigation.
Flight Information and Ownership
The Cessna C550 took off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly before the crash. Sources indicate that the aircraft is owned by a private company linked to Greg Biffle, a retired NASCAR driver. Details regarding the identities of those on board are still unclear.
Response and Impact on the Airport
- The airport announced the incident via social media.
- Airport Director John Ferguson confirmed the airport is closed until further notice.
- Debris removal will be necessary for runway clearance.
At the time of the crash, conditions included clouds and some drizzle, as noted by AccuWeather.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses at a nearby golf course were startled by the event. Joshua Green, a local golfer, described the moment as frightening. He recounted seeing the plane flying unusually low before the crash.
Flight Path and Upcoming Plans
Track data from FlightAware indicates that the jet had a planned route, including a flight from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas, with the intention of returning later to Fort Lauderdale and then back to Statesville.
This incident is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. El-Balad will continue to monitor the situation and report on any findings as the investigation unfolds.
