A corporate jet has crashed and burst into flames while attempting to land at a North Carolina airport, resulting in multiple fatalities, authorities have confirmed. The aircraft has been linked to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Flight Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred on Thursday 18 December 2025. The Cessna C550 business jet had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport, located roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte, at approximately 10am local time (3pm UK time). Its intended destination was Florida.
According to available flight tracking data, the aircraft subsequently turned back and was in the process of attempting to land when the crash happened. Footage from local media showed emergency crews rushing onto the runway as flames engulfed the area near the wreckage.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell stated, "I can confirm there were fatalities," though he provided no further specifics. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that six people were on board the plane at the time of the accident.
Connection to Former Racing Driver and Airport Closure
Officials revealed that the crashed jet was connected to Greg Biffle, a well-known name in American motorsport. Public flight records indicate the aircraft was registered to a company operated by the former NASCAR driver.
Statesville Regional Airport, where the crash took place, markets itself as providing corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and multiple NASCAR racing teams. Following the disaster, airport director John Ferguson announced the immediate closure of the facility.
"The airport now is closed until further notice," Ferguson said. "It will take some time to get the debris off the runway."
Investigation and Aftermath
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. This is standard procedure for significant aviation accidents in the United States.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the regional airport, a hub known for its services to high-profile corporate and sporting clients. The community now awaits further details from investigators as the recovery and inquiry processes begin.
