Multiple people died Thursday morning after a Cessna C550 jet, reportedly owned by a company linked to former NASCAR star Greg Biffle, crashed upon landing at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that six individuals were on board the twin-engine aircraft, which was en route to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in Florida.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene after the crash, which occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time. While authorities confirmed multiple fatalities, the precise number of victims has not yet been officially released, pending further investigation and identification processes.

Public records indicate that the ill-fated jet was operated by GB Aviation Leasing, a firm associated with Greg Biffle, a prominent figure in the NASCAR racing circuit. However, officials have not yet independently confirmed the plane’s ownership at the time of the incident, nor have they released the identities of those on board.

Witnesses and initial reports suggest the aircraft took off from Statesville Regional Airport before almost immediately turning back. It subsequently attempted to land but crashed near the runway, becoming engulfed in flames, as depicted in photographs from the scene.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office dispatched a Mobile Command Unit to assist with the unfolding investigation. Chief Deputy William Hamby stated that his agency was among the first responders, providing initial information to the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who are now leading the inquiry.

Further investigation into the catastrophic event will be spearheaded by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the federal agency responsible for civil aviation accident investigation. An NTSB team is en route to the site and is expected to provide initial findings and updates during a press conference scheduled for Friday.

Weather conditions recorded approximately 80 minutes after the crash showed light rain and visibility reduced to less than three miles. Investigators will meticulously examine whether these, or any other environmental factors, were present during the moments leading up to the crash and potentially contributed to the incident.

The Statesville Regional Airport, located approximately 50 miles north of Charlotte, serves as a crucial hub for corporate aviation. Its website highlights its role in providing facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, underscoring its significance to both regional business and the racing community.

The NTSB’s comprehensive investigation will involve a thorough examination of the wreckage, retrieval of flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, if applicable, and analysis of air traffic control communications. Investigators will also review maintenance records for the Cessna C550 jet, pilot qualifications, and any operational procedures that may have played a role.

This meticulous process aims to determine the exact cause of the crash, which could range from mechanical failure or pilot error to environmental conditions or other unforeseen factors. The findings from such investigations are critical for enhancing aviation safety protocols and preventing future tragedies.

As the investigation progresses, the aviation community and the public await official confirmations regarding the identities of the victims and the detailed circumstances that led to this devastating incident. The authorities have pledged transparency and comprehensive updates as more information becomes available.

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Keywords: Statesville plane crash, North Carolina aviation accident, Greg Biffle, Cessna C550 crash, Statesville Regional Airport, FAA investigation, NTSB plane crash, NASCAR plane incident