NTSB Media Briefing on the Greg Biffle plane crash

The National Transportation Safety Board held a media briefing Friday afternoon to provide an update on Thursday’s crash at the Statesville Regional Airport involving Greg Biffle and his family.

We summarize the facts as we know them below the video

The briefing was held on Friday, December 19, 2025 (the day after the crash), by NTSB Board Member Michael Graham and Investigator-in-Charge Dan Baker. Below are the confirmed facts as presented during the briefing, based on preliminary information (subject to change as the investigation progresses):

– Date and Time: The accident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
– Aircraft Details: The plane was a 1981-manufactured Cessna Citation 550 (registration N257BW), registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC.
– Occupants: There were seven people on board. All seven perished (no survivors). Victim identification is handled by the local medical examiner.
– Flight Sequence: The aircraft departed from Runway 28 at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:05 a.m. It made an initial left turn to the west, followed by another left turn back toward the airport about five minutes after takeoff. It then flew a left base turn to Runway 28 for landing.
– Crash Details: The initial point of impact was a runway light stanchion about 1,800 feet from the runway threshold. The plane subsequently struck trees, two additional runway light stanchions, and the airport perimeter fence before coming to rest near the runway threshold, oriented on an easterly heading. A post-impact fire consumed most of the fuselage and inboard wing sections. All four corners of the aircraft, flight control surfaces, and both engines were recovered in the wreckage.
– Weather Conditions: Visual meteorological conditions prevailed with drizzle, broken ceilings at 1,200 and 2,200 feet, and a higher ceiling at 5,000 feet. Visibility was 5 statute miles, and winds were calm.
– Communication and Evidence: No mayday call was reported. Investigators are analyzing radar, ADS-B data, video footage, witness statements, and audio recordings. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was recovered and is being sent to Washington, D.C., for analysis. No flight data recorder was on board (not required for this flight).
– Investigation Status: A 16-member NTSB team is on site. Parties to the investigation include the FAA, Textron Aviation (aircraft manufacturer), and Pratt & Whitney Canada (engine manufacturer, as technical adviser). Groups formed: Systems (including maintenance records), Powerplants (engines), and Operations (flight history, crew experience). A preliminary report is expected within 30 days; the full investigation may take 12–18 months.
– Other Notes: Investigators are seeking additional witness information (contact witness@ntsb.gov). The reason for the return to the airport is unknown at this stage. Three occupants held pilot licenses, but who was flying has not been verified. The aircraft could be operated single-pilot or with a crew (with a waiver possible for single-pilot).

The NTSB emphasized that this is the early stage of the investigation, with no conclusions or speculation offered yet.