NTSB Briefing: Investigation into Fatal Plane Crash at Statesville Regional Airport

NTSB Investigation Overview

• ✈️ The NTSB is investigating a fatal plane crash involving a Cessna Citation 550 that occurred at Statesville Regional Airport on December 18th, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m. EST.
• 💔 Seven individuals were on board, and tragically, there were no survivors. The NTSB extends its sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
• 🔍 The NTSB's mission is to determine the probable cause of accidents and issue safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences, without assigning blame.

On-Scene Investigation Details

• 🗺️ A team of 16 NTSB experts, led by Investigator in Charge Dan Baker, arrived on scene to gather perishable evidence.
• 🛠️ The investigation is structured into groups examining systems, power plants, and operations, with parties including the FAA and Textron Aviation.
• 📊 Preliminary ADSB data indicates the aircraft departed runway 28, made turns back towards the airport, and impacted runway light stanchions, trees, and the airport perimeter fence before coming to rest short of the runway.

Evidence and Findings

• 🎙️ The cockpit voice recorder (CVR), one of the aircraft's "black boxes," was recovered from the wreckage and is being sent to Washington D.C. for analysis.
• ⚠️ The aircraft was not required to have a flight data recorder (FDR) or a CVR.
• 💨 Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, but with drizzle and low ceilings, which will be closely examined as part of the environmental factors.

Next Steps and Public Information

• 🗓️ A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, but the full NTSB report will take 12-18 months.
• 📞 The NTSB is requesting public assistance for photos, videos, or witness statements via email at witness@ntsb.gov.
• 🚧 The Statesville Regional Airport remains closed and will remain so until further notice, with wreckage removal to be coordinated.

Pilot and Aircraft Information

• ❓ The identity of the pilot is currently unverified, though three occupants possessed pilot licenses.
• ✈️ The Cessna Citation 550, manufactured in 1981, can be operated single-pilot with a waiver or with a crew.
• 📉 The aircraft impacted several approach lighting systems and trees before reaching the runway, indicating it was low and hit the ground prior to the runway threshold.