NTSB: Right-seat Pilot Not Second-In-Command Qualified

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 preliminary NTSB accident report. 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. 

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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. The investigation remains ongoing, and the findings are subject to change.