Multiple people killed in aircraft crash in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA: Multiple people were killed after a business jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport in the US state of North Carolina on Thursday morning, officials said.

According to a statement posted on the airport’s official Facebook page, the crash occurred at around 10:15 am. The Associated Press reported that a business jet erupted into a large fire after crashing during landing.

Local authorities confirmed multiple fatalities, though it remains unclear whether there were any survivors.

Emergency crews from the West Iredell Fire Department, Statesville Fire Department, Iredell EMS, and the Iredell County Rescue Squad rushed to the scene shortly after the crash.

The airport said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also conducting a probe.

According to the FAA, the aircraft involved was a Cessna C-550 business jet. Officials have not yet confirmed how many people were on board at the time of the crash.

The Statesville Regional Airport primarily serves corporate aviation and is used by several Fortune 500 companies and NASCAR teams, according to its website. FAA registry records show the aircraft, with tail number N257BW, is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a private company linked to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.

Weather conditions may have played a role in the crash. AccuWeather vice president of forecasting operations Dan DePodwin said adverse weather was reported in the area, including heavy drizzle and low cloud ceilings of around 1,200 feet, with reduced visibility around the time of the incident.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware showed the aircraft was travelling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before the crash, with transmissions stopping shortly before 10:15 am.

Authorities believe there were no survivors, though officials said the situation remains active and details will be updated as investigations continue.