Preliminary Report Reveals Pilot Qualification Issues, Contributing Factors Identified

The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report into the December 18, 2026, crash of a Cessna Citation II in North Carolina. The right-seat occupant was not qualified to serve as second-in-command, despite occupying a cockpit seat and performing checklist and radio duties during the flight. The left seat pilot was also found to be unqualified to fly the jet without another pilot. Seven people were killed in the accident, which occurred while operating under Part 91 as a personal flight from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina to Sarasota, Florida.