STATESVILLE, N.C. — A Cessna C550 business jet owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashed at the end of a runway while landing at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning, killing six people, according to the FAA and local authorities.
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The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. at the airport, which is located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office reported confirmed fatalities, although the exact number has yet to be verified.
The plane is owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing, which lists the same address as Biffle himself, according to public records.
A witness from nearby Lakewood Golf Club observed the incident and stated that the plane was “way too low” before there was “a huge explosion.”
This account raises questions about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Chopper 9 Skyzoom, which was on its way to the scene, had to turn back due to inclement weather conditions that limited visibility at the airport to about 5 miles.
Fog was present at the time of the crash, although it is not confirmed if this contributed to the accident, as the current weather conditions are being investigated.
The airport’s website states that it offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
A National Transportation Safety Board team is expected to be in Statesville Thursday night. They are planning on holding a media briefing on Friday.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing and authorities have not yet released the names of those onboard or further details about potential causes.
Emergency services remain at the scene as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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