The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has provided updated information and released new crash site images concerning the fatal December 18, 2025, crash of a Cessna Citation II at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The aircraft, carrying seven occupants, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his family, and three others, was destroyed upon impact, resulting in a severe post-crash fire.
During a briefing on December 20, 2025, NTSB board member Michael Graham stated that the investigation is focusing on the events leading up to the crash. The Cessna Citation II had departed Statesville Regional Airport and was attempting to return approximately ten minutes after takeoff due to an unspecified issue. Preliminary data indicates the aircraft made a left turn to the west, followed by another left turn back towards the airport, executing a left base turn for Runway 28. However, the aircraft impacted a runway light stanchion about 1,800 feet short of the runway threshold. It subsequently struck trees and two additional light stanchions, as well as the airport perimeter fence, before coming to rest near the runway threshold.
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), often referred to as a “black box,” from the wreckage. While the aircraft was not required to have a flight data recorder, the CVR is being sent to Washington D.C. for analysis. The NTSB has also confirmed that no “Mayday” or distress call was made from the aircraft prior to the crash. Although three individuals on board held pilot’s licenses, including Greg Biffle and Dennis Dutton, the NTSB has not yet verified who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the accident.
A preliminary report detailing the factual findings of the investigation is expected within 30 days, while the final report, which will include the probable cause and contributing factors, is anticipated in 12 to 24 months. The NTSB encourages anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage to contact them to aid in the investigation.
