A tragic aviation accident has resulted in multiple fatalities after a private jet crashed while attempting to land in North Carolina.
Plane Bursts Into Flames on Landing
The incident occurred at the Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:15 am local time on Thursday, December 18, 2025. According to official statements, the aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation C550, crashed during its landing approach.
Video footage and eyewitness accounts from the scene show the aircraft engulfed in flames to the right of the runway. Thick, dark smoke from the burning wreckage was visible for miles around the city of Statesville, located north of Charlotte.
Emergency Response and Confirmed Fatalities
The Iredell County Sheriff's Office confirmed the crash to local news outlet WBTV, reporting that there were fatalities involved. The exact number of casualties remains unclear as authorities work to determine how many people were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident.
The Cessna Citation C550 model involved has a typical seating capacity for eight to ten passengers, plus crew. The airport management released a brief statement confirming the "aircraft incident" and stating that no further details were immediately available.
Federal Investigation Launched
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is en route to the crash site to lead the investigation. Standard procedure for such a serious incident involves a thorough examination of the wreckage, flight data, air traffic control communications, and other factors to determine the probable cause.
Statesville Regional Airport stated that updates will be provided to the public as more information becomes available from the investigating authorities. The community awaits answers as the FAA begins its meticulous probe into this devastating crash.
