Cessna Citation private jet crashes and bursts into flames at Statesville Regional Airport; investigation underway by FAA and local authorities.
Several people are feared dead after a private jet crashed and caught fire at Statesville Regional Airport on the morning of Thursday December 18, 2025. The aircraft, a Cessna Citation owned by a private North Carolina company, went down near a runway at approximately 10:15 a.m., local authorities said.
According to initial reports, the plane took off from the airport before suddenly turning back and attempting to land. Eyewitnesses captured images showing the aircraft engulfed in flames and smoke billowing near the runway. The number of passengers onboard remains unknown, though the Cessna Citation can accommodate eight to ten people.
Iredell County authorities confirmed the incident, with Chief Deputy William Hamby saying, “The investigation will be conducted by the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the Federal Aviation Administration. Our agency was first on the scene and provided initial information.”
The airport issued a statement on Facebook confirming the crash: “At approximately 10:15 a.m., an aircraft crashed while landing. The Federal Aviation Administration is en route and will investigate the incident. No further details are available at this time.”
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Emergency crews responded immediately, and the airport was temporarily closed to manage the scene and secure the area. Officials have not yet released information on survivors or confirmed casualties.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Aviation experts note that private jets like the Cessna Citation are widely used for corporate and personal travel, but accidents remain rare. The FAA and local authorities are expected to examine flight records, maintenance logs, and air traffic communications as part of the inquiry.
Residents in the surrounding area reported seeing a plume of smoke rising from the airport shortly after the crash, with some capturing footage of the fire on social media. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and allow emergency teams to work safely.
This incident marks another reminder of the risks associated with private aviation, which, while statistically safer than commercial flights, can pose serious consequences when mechanical or operational issues arise.
Officials said updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
