A small private aircraft crashed while attempting to land at a regional airport in North Carolina, resulting in multiple fatalities and prompting a federal aviation investigation, U.S. authorities said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at Statesville Regional Airport, located north of Charlotte, when a Cessna C550 business jet went down during its landing approach. According to officials, the aircraft struck the runway and caught fire shortly after impact, sending thick smoke into the air and forcing emergency crews to rush to the scene.
Local law enforcement agencies confirmed that there were deaths as a result of the crash, though the exact number of people on board has not yet been officially disclosed. Authorities have also not released the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the jet crashed while returning to the airport, and confirmed that it was a privately operated aircraft. Initial reports indicate the plane was registered to a leasing company linked to a well-known former NASCAR driver, a detail that has drawn public attention to the incident. However, officials emphasized that the focus remains on determining the cause of the crash rather than the aircraft’s ownership.
Eyewitness footage and images shared by local media showed the aircraft engulfed in flames on the runway, with firefighters and rescue teams working to extinguish the fire and secure the area. As a precaution, airport operations were temporarily suspended while emergency response teams cleared debris and assessed safety conditions.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a formal investigation and is leading efforts to determine what caused the aircraft to crash. Investigators are expected to examine a range of factors, including weather conditions, pilot actions, aircraft performance, and maintenance records. FAA officials are also assisting in the inquiry.
Statesville Regional Airport primarily serves private and corporate aircraft and is not a major commercial hub. Airport officials said they are cooperating fully with federal investigators and will resume normal operations once safety checks are completed.
Aviation experts note that while business jets are generally considered safe, landing remains one of the most technically demanding phases of flight. Even minor mechanical issues or sudden changes in weather can have serious consequences.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have said more details will be released as information becomes available. For now, the crash stands as a tragic reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of thorough safety oversight.
