A tragic plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday claimed the lives of seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and their two children. Authorities said the business jet went down shortly after takeoff while attempting to return to the airport, killing everyone on board. The crash occurred at Statesville Regional Airport, around 45 miles north of Charlotte.
Jet crashed while trying to return to airport
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Cessna C550 business jet took off from Statesville Regional Airport at around 10:06 am local time. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft attempted to return to the airport but crashed while trying to land at the eastern end of the runway at about 10:20 am.
The jet erupted into a large fire upon impact. Airport officials said the aircraft was already engulfed in flames when emergency responders arrived at the scene. The cause of the crash is not yet known. Weather conditions at the time included drizzle and low cloud cover.
Victims identified
Authorities confirmed that Greg Biffle, 55, was among those who boarded the plane. He was travelling with his wife Cristina, daughter Emma (14), and son Ryder (5). The other victims were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
Flight records showed that the aircraft was registered to a company linked to Biffle. Officials said it was unclear whether Biffle himself was piloting the plane at the time of the crash, though Federal Aviation Administration records indicate he was licensed to fly helicopters as well as single- and multi-engine aircraft.
NASCAR confirms Biffle’s death, tributes pour in
NASCAR confirmed Biffle’s death in an official statement, calling him “more than a champion driver.”
“Greg was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” the organisation said. “His passion for racing, integrity, and commitment to fans made a lasting impact on the sport.”
Tributes poured in from across the racing world and beyond. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein described the news as heartbreaking and praised Biffle for his compassion, particularly for helping residents during Hurricane Helene last year. Biffle had used his personal helicopter to rescue stranded people and deliver supplies.
Motorsport YouTuber Garrett Mitchell also shared an emotional post, saying the Biffle family was on their way to spend the afternoon with him when the crash occurred.
A celebrated racing career
Nicknamed “The Biff,” Greg Biffle was born in Vancouver, Washington, and enjoyed a racing career that spanned more than two decades. He was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
Biffle won championships in both the Craftsman Truck Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002), becoming the first driver to achieve titles in both series. He also earned Rookie of the Year honours in both categories and won 19 races across NASCAR’s top divisions.
Though he reduced his racing schedule after 2016, Biffle returned for a one-off race in 2019 at Texas Motor Speedway, which he won.
Investigation underway, airport closed
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent a team to investigate the crash. Statesville Regional Airport will remain closed until debris is cleared and the investigation progresses, officials said.
Authorities continue to probe the cause of the deadly incident as the motorsports world mourns the loss of one of its most respected figures.
