NTSB Probes Citation II Crash; Was Right-Seat Pilot Second-in-Command Qualified?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report. It details the fatal December 2025 crash of a Cessna Citation 550 (Citation II) business jet. A critical finding is the right-seat pilot qualification status. The person in the co-pilot seat was not second-in-command qualified (SIC). This is a key focus of the ongoing NTSB Citation II investigation.

Preliminary Findings on Crew and Certification

The accident occurred near Statesville, North Carolina. The crash claimed the lives of seven people. The pilot held a type rating for the aircraft. This rating required a second-in-command qualified crewmember.

However, the right-seat occupant lacked the necessary SIC endorsement. He held a private pilot certificate. His total flight time was approximately 175 hours in single-engine aircraft. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules (14 CFR part 61.55) define SIC requirements. The preliminary report states the right-seat pilot did not meet these pilot certification standards. This immediately raises questions of FAA regulatory compliance.

Anomalies Before and After Departure

The NTSB report details several issues noted by the crew noted anomalies. These problems occurred both before and after the flight departed. During taxi, the crew discussed a faulty thrust reverser indicator light. They agreed the thrust reverser itself appeared to function.

After takeoff, the situation quickly worsened. The pilot reported an altitude indicator was not working. Other left-side flight instruments also seemed to malfunction. The Garmin navigation system stopped recording critical data. This included both airspeed and heading information. The autopilot subsequently disengaged. The crew attempted to contact air traffic control. They were trying to activate an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearance. This attempt was unsuccessful due to controller workload. The aircraft then began a descent back toward the airport. During the final approach, the landing gear indicator lights did not illuminate. The jet ultimately struck objects short of the runway.

Impact on Aviation Safety

This tragic event highlights the importance of flight crew operational procedures. It also stresses adherence to pilot certification standards. The commercial aviation safety community is closely watching the final report. Business jet accident reports often lead to regulatory changes. They focus on crew resource management and training. The Cessna Citation (manufactured by Textron Aviation) is a widely used business jet. The findings could influence operational rules for similar aircraft. The NTSB investigation remains ongoing. The final determination of probable cause is still pending.

From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights.

For detailed airline coverage, route changes, and fleet moves, explore the Airlines section at flying.flights/airlines.