7 killed as private plane crashes in North Carolina

Friday, December 19, 2025 - A plane has crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. 

The Iredell County Sheriff told local news outlet WBTV that a plane crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport earlier today. 

The outlet said there were reports of fatalities. 

The airport said the plane crashed at around 10:15am local time. An investigation has been launched. 

A statement from Statesville Regional Airport reads: "We can confirm there has been an aircraft incident at the Statesville Regional Airport. 

"At approximately 10:15am, an aircraft crashed while landing. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will investigate the incident. 

"No further details are available at this time. Updates will be provided as information becomes available." 

The Cessna Citation airplane can be seen engulfed in flames to the right of the runway at Statesville Regional Airport. 

The Cessna C550 has a capacity for eight to 10 passengers. It is unclear at this stage how many people were on board the aircraft. 

A video shows smoke visible for miles in Statesville, North Carolina, after the plane burst into flames as it crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport. 

The incident will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).