Accidents
NTSB: Citation II Right-seat Pilot Not SIC-qualified
Crew noted anomalies before and after departure, investigation ongoing
image from NTSB preliminary report
© NTSB

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—one of whom was seated in the right seat— 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.”