Writer

Amy Wilder

The right-seat occupant in the December 18 crash of a Cessna Citation II near Statesville, North Carolina, was not qualified to perform second-in-command duties, according to a <a href="https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202182/pdf">preliminary NTSB accident report</a>. The pilot and six passengers died in the crash.
Although the right-seat occupant held a valid pilot certificate, “review of the right-seat passenger’s logbook indicated that he had 175.3 total flight hours in single-engine land airplanes as of November 29, 2025. The right seat passenger’s most recent first-class medical certificate was issued on August 12, 2024. The right seat passenger was not qualified to perform second-in-command duties per Title 14 CFR part 61.55.”
Registered N257BW to a holding company belonging to Nascar driver Greg Biffle, the airplane was operating as a Part 91 personal flight when it departed Statesville Regional Airport (KSVH) at about 10:06 a.m. under visual flight rules, bound for Sarasota, Florida.&nbsp;
During taxi, the pilot and two pilot-rated passengers noted that a thrust reverser indicator light for an unspecified engine was inoperative but agreed that the thrust reverser itself appeared to function normally. During the takeoff roll, a rear-seat passenger commented that the left engine appeared to be producing more power than the right.
After departure, the airplane entered a climbing left turn. GPS data showed that it completed about a 180-degree turn at approximately 2,200 feet above msl before continuing to turn and descend. The right-seat passenger repeatedly attempted to contact Atlanta Center to activate the flight’s IFR clearance but was unsuccessful due to controller workload.
CVR audio captured the pilot stating that his altitude indicator was not working properly and that additional left-side flight instruments “may not have been working properly.” The autopilot disengaged at about 10:10 a.m., either intentionally or automatically. Control of the airplane was briefly transferred to the right-seat passenger, and later communications indicated that the pilot had resumed control.
As the airplane maneuvered back toward the airport, the crew configured it for landing, although the landing gear indicator lights were not illuminated. A transmission on the common traffic advisory frequency stated, “…We’re having some issues here.” The airplane descended on final approach to Runway 28, striking the approach light system about 1,380 feet short of the runway threshold before impacting terrain and catching fire.
Investigators reported no evidence of an uncontained engine failure or pre-impact structural breakup. In a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-12-19/ex-nascar-driver-biffle-among-seven-killed-nc-crash">December 19 AIN report</a>, FAA airman records showed that the pilot’s CE-500 type rating carried a limitation requiring a second in command. The investigation remains ongoing, and the findings are subject to change.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

NTSB Says Right-seat Pilot Was Not SIC-qualified in Dec. Citation II Crash

Crew noted anomalies before and after departure, investigation ongoing

The NTSB preliminary report on a fatal Citation II crash near Statesville, N.C., notes that the right-seat occupant was not SIC rated.

NTSB: Citation II Right-seat Pilot Not SIC-qualified

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

David Jack Kenny

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Preliminary and final accident reports, February 2026

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: February 2026

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Hearing resulted in 50 recommendations to the FAA, U.S. Army, and other agencies

NTSB Probable Cause Cites FAA Lapses in DCA Collision

Curt Epstein

The airport has been closed since Sunday night

CL650 Accident Investigation Continues at Bangor Airport

The accident occurred in freezing, snowy conditions

Fatal Challenger 650 Crash in Maine Claims Six

Gordon Gilbert

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

143 people were killed in 35 business aircraft accidents last year

Business Aviation Safety Suffers Worst Year since 2011

Preliminary and final accident reports, January 2026

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: January 2026

Training gaps cited by NTSB

Stall Test in Icing Cited in 2024 Hawker 900XP Accident

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

In this article

Cessna Citation 550, 551, II, and SII

Textron Aviation

More In Accidents