Private Jet Crash in North Carolina Leaves Multiple Dead, NASCAR Connection Investigated
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A developing story out of Statesville, North Carolina, reports multiple fatalities following the crash of a private jet shortly after takeoff on Thursday, December 18. Authorities are investigating the incident, with early reports indicating a possible connection to the world of NASCAR.
Crash Details and Initial Response
The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time, according to Iredell County Chief Deputy Bill Hamby. The exact number of people who died remains unconfirmed at this time. A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating that a Cessna C550 crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:20 a.m. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will jointly investigate, with the NTSB leading the effort.
“The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates,” the FAA stated.
Witness Account and Airport Conditions
A witness working at the airport described a harrowing scene. “My desk faces where it happened. I was just sitting here, and then I heard a loud boom, and our hangar shook a little. I got up to look and that’s when I saw the flames and fire everywhere,” said Victoria, an aviation company employee who requested anonymity.
Preliminary weather reports, taken approximately 80 minutes after the crash, indicated low clouds, light rain, and visibility of less than three miles. However, it remains unclear whether these conditions were present at the time of the incident.
Flight Path and Airport Profile
FlightAware data reveals the Cessna Citation 550 departed Statesville Regional Airport around 10:00 a.m. from runway 10, traveling approximately five miles before making a sharp left turn back toward the airport. The aircraft did not exceed an altitude of 2,000 feet.
Statesville Regional Airport, located roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte, operates as an uncontrolled airport, meaning it lacks a control tower. Pilots are responsible for self-reporting their position using a shared radio frequency. The airport remains closed following the crash, according to the airport manager.
NASCAR Connection and Ongoing Investigation
A federal source with knowledge of the crash revealed that an individual associated with NASCAR was on board the ill-fated flight. This information has prompted heightened interest in the investigation and potential implications for the racing community.
Local authorities held a brief news conference, but shared limited details. “We have no information on any cause,” stated airport manager John Ferguson. The NTSB will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the factors that led to the crash, according to agency spokesperson Sarah Taylor Sulick.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
