Overview
- Authorities confirmed seven fatalities after a Cessna 550 Citation II crashed near Statesville Regional Airport minutes after departure.
- Victims included Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, his daughter Emma, 14, his son Ryder, 5, and passengers Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth.
- The aircraft, tail number N257BW and registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, had been bound for Sarasota, Florida before turning back, according to flight-tracking data.
- The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation, reviewing telemetry, weather and maintenance records as on-scene work keeps the airport closed.
- Security video and witness accounts show a post-impact fire, with reports of light rain and fog in the area at the time of the crash.