Seven people are dead after a small plane crashed while attempting a landing at North Carolina’s Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday.
The plane was owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who was onboard with his family during the fiery crash — which later was confirmed by a North Carolina congressman.
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Rep. Richard Hudson posted on X.
Biffle was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder and Emma, according to the highway patrol and a family statement. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
Garrett Mitchell, a family friend and an auto racing social media personality, first posted on Facebook that the Biffle family were onboard the plane when it crashed.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Mitchell, who posts under the pseudonym Cleetus McFarland, posted on Facebook. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
The Cessna C550 crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport, about 72 kilometres north of Charlotte, shortly after 10 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration said.
How the crash happened
Airport director John Ferguson said that the crash occurred at the end of a runway.
“Like we said, at approximately 10:15 a.m., we got a report of a jet that crashed off the end of the runway on the east end. By time I came out, it was fully engulfed. We’ve had multiple agencies that have come. The FAA arrived at about 12 o’clock today,” Ferguson said.
“They are taking over the scene and the investigation. We have no information on the cause. The airport is closed until further notice. It will take time to get the debris off the runway.”
According to virtual flight log data, the plane took off from Statesville airport and “immediately turned around and tried to land,” crashing on its attempt.
The plane reported engine trouble shortly after take-off and was trying to land back at the airport, according to Brad Panovich of WCNC Charlotte.
The airport says on its website that it “provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating.
Golfers playing at nearby Lakewood Golf Club — located next to the airport — were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole reportedly was covered with debris.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,”’ Joshua Green told the Associated Press. “It was scary.”
Biffle’s career
Biffle, who retired in 2022 after a brief comeback attempt, won 19 Cup Series races during his 20-year career. He was named one of the sport’s 75 greatest drivers in 2023.
Biffle reportedly is a registered pilot and used his helicopter to take supplies to Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
He also became known for philanthropy, which focused on animal welfare through his Greg Biffle Foundation.
In his post, Rep. Hudson also called the Biffles “friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.
“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.”