Overview
- Officials confirmed the victims as Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, children Emma and Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis Dutton and his son Jack.
- The Cessna C550 departed around 10:05 a.m., began turning back roughly five minutes later, and crashed during the landing attempt about 10 minutes after takeoff.
- The aircraft was registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, which is affiliated with Biffle, and the resulting fire and debris prompted a temporary closure of Statesville Regional Airport.
- The NTSB, leading the investigation with FAA assistance, said three people aboard held pilot licenses, but who was flying has not been verified and no cause has been determined.
- Drizzle and low cloud ceilings were reported near the time of the crash, and witness video showed a fireball on or near the runway with debris reaching a nearby golf course.