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Multiple Deaths Reported in North Carolina Plane Crash

Records show Cessna 550 is owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 18, 2025 11:39 AM CST
Business Jet Crashes at North Carolina Airport
This screengrab made from video provided by WSOC shows firefighting crews responding to a reported plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, NC.   (WSOC via AP)

Authorities say a business jet crashed while landing at a regional airport in Statesville, North Carolina, erupting in a large fire. The Federal Aviation Administration said a Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:20am Thursday, the AP reports. The Iredell County Sheriff confirmed that there were multiple deaths, WBTV reports. Video from WSOC showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near scattered wreckage from the plane. WSOC reports that it's not clear who was on the plane, but records show it is owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.

The Cessna 550 can carry up to eight passengers plus crew. Statesville Regional Airport, around 45 miles north of Charlotte, says on its website that it provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams. A witness at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club tells WSOC that the plane appeared to be "way too low" before it crashed.

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