A private jet crash shortly after takeoff near Statesville, North Carolina, has left a community in mourning and investigators searching for answers. The aircraft went down moments after departing Statesville Regional Airport, killing all seven people on board. Authorities confirmed that several members of the same family were among the victims, including a retired NASCAR-associated stock car racer, his spouse, and their two young children. The crash occurred during the early phase of flight, when the jet reportedly attempted to return to the runway before losing control and crashing into an open field.
Officials said the aircraft experienced problems soon after takeoff and never reached sufficient altitude. Weather conditions at the time included light rain and low cloud cover, which may have complicated the pilot’s efforts.