Statesville Plane Crash Investigation: What Caused the Citation II Accident?

A devastating plane crash near Statesville, North Carolina, has prompted a thorough investigation into the potential causes of the accident. On December 18, 2025, a Cessna 550 Citation II crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of all seven people on board. Among the victims were retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Emma and Ryder. The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation and motorsports communities, prompting a detailed inquiry led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Initial Reports and the Scene

The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time. The aircraft, registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company linked to Greg Biffle, had departed from Statesville Regional Airport just minutes before attempting to return. Witnesses reported that the plane appeared to be flying at a very low altitude as it approached the airport. The aircraft impacted terrain short of the runway, crossed a road and the airport perimeter fence, and came to rest on the runway. A severe post-crash fire ensued, complicating initial identification efforts.

The Investigation Begins

The NTSB immediately launched a “go-team” to the crash site, consisting of sixteen investigators specializing in various aspects of aviation safety, including powerplants, recorders, systems, and drone technology. Operations, air traffic control, and meteorology experts are providing support from Washington D.C. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days, while the full investigation could take up to a year to complete.

Key Areas of Focus

The NTSB investigation will likely concentrate on several critical areas to determine the cause of the crash:

Weather Conditions: At the time of the accident, the weather was marginal, with reports of low clouds, heavy drizzle, and reduced visibility. Specifically, the Statesville Regional Airport (SVH) automated surface observing system reported the following at 10:15 a.m. local time: calm wind, 1.75 miles surface visibility, heavy rain, a 400 ft above ground level (agl) scattered ceiling, a 1000 ft above ground level (agl) overcast ceiling, temperature 6°C, dew point 4°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.19 inches of mercury. Investigators will assess whether these conditions played a role in the accident.
Aircraft Maintenance History: A thorough review of the Cessna 550 Citation II’s maintenance records will be conducted to identify any pre-existing mechanical issues that may have contributed to the crash. The aircraft was manufactured in 1981 and had the tail number N257BW.
Pilot Actions and Qualifications: Although three of the occupants held pilot’s licenses, including Greg Biffle, investigators have not yet confirmed who was at the controls during the flight. The NTSB will analyze the cockpit voice recorder, which has been recovered and sent to Washington D.C., to understand the crew’s actions and communications leading up to the crash.
Engine Performance: Initial reports suggest the pilot declared an emergency, citing “engine issues.” The NTSB will examine the aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D engines to determine if any malfunction occurred.
Flight Data Analysis: Preliminary flight tracking data indicates the aircraft never climbed above 2,000 feet and flew a looping pattern near the airport before the crash. The NTSB will analyze this data to reconstruct the flight path and identify any anomalies.

Potential Factors Under Consideration

Based on available information, several potential factors could have contributed to the Statesville plane crash:

Engine Failure: The pilot’s reported declaration of an emergency due to “engine issues” suggests a possible engine malfunction.
Weather-Related Challenges: The adverse weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy drizzle, could have made it difficult for the pilots to maintain control of the aircraft, especially during the attempted return to the airport.
Pilot Error: While it is too early to draw any conclusions, the NTSB will investigate whether any pilot error, such as misjudgment of altitude or airspeed, contributed to the accident.
Mechanical Malfunction: A pre-existing mechanical issue, unrelated to the engines, could have also played a role in the crash.

Legal Implications of the Statesville Plane Crash

In the wake of the tragic Statesville plane crash, numerous legal aspects will likely come into play. Aviation accidents often involve complex legal proceedings, especially when fatalities occur. Here’s a breakdown of potential legal implications:

Wrongful Death Claims: The families of the victims may file wrongful death claims against the parties deemed responsible for the crash. Potential defendants could include the aircraft owner/operator (GB Aviation Leasing), the aircraft manufacturer (Cessna/Textron), maintenance providers, and potentially even air traffic control if negligence is proven.
Negligence: Establishing negligence is crucial in wrongful death claims. This involves demonstrating that the defendant(s) had a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the accident and resulting deaths.
Product Liability: If a defect in the aircraft’s design or manufacturing is identified as a contributing factor, product liability claims may be pursued against the aircraft manufacturer or component suppliers.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs): Violations of FARs can be used as evidence of negligence. The NTSB investigation will likely uncover any regulatory breaches that may have contributed to the crash.
Insurance Coverage: Multiple insurance policies may be involved, including aviation liability insurance, aircraft hull insurance, and life insurance policies. Determining the extent of coverage and navigating the claims process can be complex.
Jurisdiction and Venue: Determining the appropriate jurisdiction and venue for legal proceedings can be challenging, especially if the parties involved are located in different states or countries.
The General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA): GARA provides liability protection to aircraft manufacturers for older aircraft (typically those over 18 years old). However, exceptions exist for cases involving fraud, intentional misconduct, or knowing violations of FAA regulations. Given that the aircraft was manufactured in 1981, GARA may be a factor in potential claims against Cessna.
Damages: Damages in wrongful death cases can include economic losses (e.g., lost earnings, medical expenses, funeral costs) and non-economic losses (e.g., pain and suffering, loss of companionship).
Settlement Negotiations and Litigation: Many aviation accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, litigation may be necessary.

Conclusion

The Statesville plane crash is a heartbreaking tragedy that has claimed the lives of seven people, including a beloved figure in the NASCAR community. As the NTSB investigation progresses, it is crucial to allow the investigators to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Understanding the factors that led to this crash is essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to ensure aviation safety for all.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been affected by an aviation accident, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.