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A tragic aviation accident shocked North Carolina and the NASCAR community
after a small private jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Statesville, North Carolina,
killing all seven people on board. Among the victims were former NASCAR driver
Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Ryder and Emma. The crash
happened on December 18, leaving families, friends, and fans across the country in
deep mourning.
According to officials, the aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation 550, a small
private jet commonly used for personal and business travel. The plane went down
near Statesville Regional Airport only minutes after leaving the runway.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but there were no survivors.
What Happened at Statesville Regional Airport
The crash occurred shortly after 10:15 a.m., according to the North Carolina State
Highway Patrol. The jet had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport and was in
the air for only a few minutes before something went wrong.
Flight tracking data shows that the plane traveled about five miles after takeoff. It
then made a sudden turn back toward the airport. The aircraft did not climb higher
than 2,000 feet, suggesting that a problem may have happened very soon after
departure. Moments later, the jet crashed near the runway and burst into flames.
Statesville Regional Airport is an uncontrolled airport, meaning it does not have a
control tower. Pilots must communicate their position to other aircraft using a
shared radio frequency. After the crash, the airport was immediately closed, and
emergency responders remained on site for several hours.
Victims Identified in the Tragedy
Family members confirmed that Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children
were among those killed. In a joint statement, the families expressed deep sorrow
and asked for privacy during this painful time.
“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the statement
said. “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an
immeasurable void in our lives.”
Three other passengers were also killed in the crash. They were identified as Dennis
Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, a longtime and well-known
member of the NASCAR community. All seven victims were pronounced dead at
the scene.
Remembering Greg Biffle’s NASCAR Career
Greg Biffle was one of the most respected drivers in modern NASCAR history. He
competed at the highest levels of the sport and earned 19 career wins. NASCAR
later named him one of its 75 Greatest Drivers, a recognition given to only the most
influential figures in the sport.
Biffle was known for his strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and professionalism
on and off the track. Fans admired him not only for his success but also for his
honest personality and connection with the NASCAR community.
His longtime racing team, RFK Racing, released a statement saying they were
devastated by the loss of a cherished member of their racing family. NASCAR also
issued a statement honoring Biffle’s life and career.
They described him as more than a champion driver, calling him a beloved member
of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to many. His passion
for racing and respect for fans left a lasting impact on the sport.
A Life Beyond Racing
After retiring from full-time racing, Greg Biffle remained active in aviation and
charity work. He was a licensed pilot and often used his flying skills to help others.
Following Hurricane Helene, Biffle took part in rescue missions in western North
Carolina, helping deliver supplies and assist people in need.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein reacted to the news by calling it heartbreaking.
In a public message, he praised Biffle’s compassion and courage, noting his efforts
to help communities after natural disasters.
Biffle’s dedication to helping others made him respected far beyond NASCAR,
especially among those who worked with him during relief efforts.
Eyewitness Describes the Crash
A witness who works at the airport described the frightening moment when the
plane crashed. She said she heard a loud boom that shook nearby buildings.
“My desk faces where it happened,” she explained. “I heard a loud noise, and the
hangar shook a little. When I looked outside, I saw flames and fire everywhere.”
Photos taken after the crash showed the aircraft engulfed in flames on the runway
area, highlighting the severity of the impact.
Weather Conditions and Airport Details
Weather conditions are one of the factors being reviewed by investigators. Reports
from an automated weather station showed low clouds, light rain, and limited
visibility later in the morning. However, officials have not confirmed whether these
conditions were present at the exact time of the crash.
The airport’s layout and lack of a control tower are also part of the investigation.
While uncontrolled airports are common and generally safe, pilots must rely more
on self-reporting and visual awareness.
At a short press conference, airport manager John Ferguson said there was no
information yet about what caused the crash. He emphasized that it is too early to
draw conclusions.
Federal Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the crash. The NTSB is expected to
arrive on site and conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage, flight data,
weather conditions, and maintenance records.
The FAA confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Cessna Citation 550 and said
the NTSB will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Investigators will also try to determine who was flying the plane at the time of the
crash.
Business records show that the aircraft was owned by a private North Carolina
company connected to Greg Biffle, but officials have not released further details.
NASCAR Community Reacts
The loss of Greg Biffle and the others on board has deeply affected the NASCAR
world. Drivers, teams, and fans shared messages of grief and support on social
media. Many described Biffle as kind, humble, and always willing to help others.
Motorsports content creator Garrett Mitchell, also known as “Cleetus McFarland,”
said that Biffle and his family were flying to visit him when the crash occurred. The
two were close friends and had worked together on rescue missions and videos in
the past.
Their friendship showed another side of Biffle’s life — one focused on community,
friendship, and service.
A Tragedy Felt Nationwide
This tragic plane crash is a reminder of how quickly lives can change. What began
as a simple flight ended in the loss of seven lives, including a famous athlete, his
family, and respected members of a close-knit community.
As investigators work to understand what went wrong, families are left with grief
that words cannot fully describe. Fans across the country are also mourning the
loss of a driver who meant so much to NASCAR.
The private jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport is one of the most
heartbreaking aviation tragedies in recent North Carolina history. With seven
people killed, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and their two
children, the accident has left a deep emotional impact.
While the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring the victims and
remembering the positive legacy they leave behind. Greg Biffle will be remembered
not only for his success on the racetrack, but also for his generosity, courage, and
dedication to helping others.
