STATESVILLE, N.C. — Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and several members of his family were on board the aircraft that crashed and erupted into flames while landing Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
The crash involved a Cessna C550 business jet, which went down around 10:20 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft burst into a large fire upon impact on the runway.
Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities in the crash. The FAA said six people were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. Officials have not yet publicly released the identities of those killed.
Public aircraft registration records show the jet was owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company affiliated with Biffle. Statesville Regional Airport confirmed the incident in a social media post, describing it as an aircraft emergency.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FAA. No cause has been determined at this time.
The airport remains closed as investigators examine the scene and crews work to clear debris from the runway.
Authorities say additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
