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19 December 2025
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Tragic plane crash kills NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle and family, US
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On Thursday, 18 December 2025, a private business jet crashed during a landing attempt at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina, killing seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children and three others. The aircraft was a Cessna Citation 550 business jet registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company associated with Greg Biffle. The jet departed from Statesville Regional Airport shortly before 10h15am ET on December 18, bound initially for Sarasota, Florida, with plans to continue on to the Bahamas later.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane turned back toward Statesville, remaining at a relatively low altitude (below about 2,000 ft) before attempting to land. The aircraft crashed near the east end of the runway around 10h15–10h20am, bursting into flames on impact.
Investigators reported foggy, drizzly weather with low clouds and reduced visibility at the time, conditions that may have complicated the emergency landing attempt.
All seven people on board were killed in the accident:
A poignant detail reported by family members is that Cristina sent a message to her mother from the plane shortly before the crash that read, “We’re in trouble.”
As the Cessna crashed and erupted in flames, local emergency services responded instantly. Fire crews, including airport fire rescue teams and local fire departments, were dispatched to the scene within minutes of the crash notification. Airport rescue personnel acted swiftly to contain and extinguish the intense fire that engulfed the wreckage.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina state troopers, secured the crash area, closing the airport and nearby roads to ensure safety and allow rescue and recovery operations. Despite the rapid response, there were no survivors due to the severity of the impact and the resulting fire.
Statesville Regional Airport was closed indefinitely following the crash to allow emergency activities, debris removal, and investigation work. Airport officials confirmed that runway operations were suspended while recovery and cleanup continued.
Authorities worked with the medical examiner’s office to identify those killed and notified families. Formal confirmation of all victims came through official statements and reporting by local and federal agencies.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting with technical and regulatory aspects and has begun reviewing flight records, weather data, and the aircraft’s maintenance history.
Given the early stage of the investigation, officials have not yet released a probable cause or detailed mechanical findings. Weather, aircraft performance and human factors will all be studied.
The news of the crash sent shockwaves through the motorsports community. Tributes and condolences poured in from fans, fellow drivers, teams, and public figures, remembering Biffle not just for his racing accomplishments, but also his humanitarian efforts and personal character.
Sources: AP News, Reuters
Shortly after takeoff, the plane turned back toward Statesville, remaining at a relatively low altitude (below about 2,000 ft) before attempting to land. The aircraft crashed near the east end of the runway around 10h15–10h20am, bursting into flames on impact.
Investigators reported foggy, drizzly weather with low clouds and reduced visibility at the time, conditions that may have complicated the emergency landing attempt.
All seven people on board were killed in the accident:
- Greg Biffle, 55, former NASCAR driver and champion
- Cristina Biffle, his wife
- Emma Biffle, their daughter, 14
- Ryder Biffle, their son, 5
- Craig Wadsworth, friend and NASCAR community figure
- Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton, both aboard.
A poignant detail reported by family members is that Cristina sent a message to her mother from the plane shortly before the crash that read, “We’re in trouble.”
As the Cessna crashed and erupted in flames, local emergency services responded instantly. Fire crews, including airport fire rescue teams and local fire departments, were dispatched to the scene within minutes of the crash notification. Airport rescue personnel acted swiftly to contain and extinguish the intense fire that engulfed the wreckage.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina state troopers, secured the crash area, closing the airport and nearby roads to ensure safety and allow rescue and recovery operations. Despite the rapid response, there were no survivors due to the severity of the impact and the resulting fire.
Statesville Regional Airport was closed indefinitely following the crash to allow emergency activities, debris removal, and investigation work. Airport officials confirmed that runway operations were suspended while recovery and cleanup continued.
Authorities worked with the medical examiner’s office to identify those killed and notified families. Formal confirmation of all victims came through official statements and reporting by local and federal agencies.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting with technical and regulatory aspects and has begun reviewing flight records, weather data, and the aircraft’s maintenance history.
Given the early stage of the investigation, officials have not yet released a probable cause or detailed mechanical findings. Weather, aircraft performance and human factors will all be studied.
The news of the crash sent shockwaves through the motorsports community. Tributes and condolences poured in from fans, fellow drivers, teams, and public figures, remembering Biffle not just for his racing accomplishments, but also his humanitarian efforts and personal character.
Sources: AP News, Reuters
