Former NASCAR Star Greg Biffle Among Seven Killed in North Carolina Plane Crash

A Cessna 550 business jet crash on Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, officials confirmed. The tragic incident occurred as the aircraft, registered to a company linked to Biffle, attempted to return to the airport shortly after takeoff amid worsening weather conditions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash and fatalities, although the identities of all victims have not yet been formally released. Visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft engulfed in flames on the runway, prompting a swift response from local emergency services. Biffle, 55, was a highly respected figure in the NASCAR community. Although retired from professional racing, he remained closely associated with the sport. His decorated career included multiple wins across NASCAR’s major series, and he was honoured as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. Beyond racing, Biffle was also widely known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly his work supporting communities affected by natural disasters.

According to flight tracking data, the private jet departed Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:06 a.m. local time, with Florida listed as its destination. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft travelled only a short distance before making an abrupt turn back towards the airport. Reports suggest the plane did not climb beyond 2,000 feet before crashing on the eastern side of the runway during its return attempt.

Among those killed were Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and their two children, Ryder and Emma, along with close family friends and members of the flight crew. The loss of an entire family has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow drivers, and racing officials. Following the crash, airport operations were suspended as debris was cleared, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a comprehensive investigation.

Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reportedly challenging, with low cloud cover and light rainfall in the area. However, investigators have not yet confirmed whether weather played a direct role in the accident. The NTSB will examine flight data, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the deadly crash. The incident stands as one of the deadliest small private jet accidents in the region this year, renewing concerns around private aviation safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions and operations at smaller airports.

For the town of Statesville and the wider NASCAR fraternity, the tragedy has left a deep emotional impact. Greg Biffle’s contributions to motorsport and his charitable work earned him admiration both on and off the track. As investigators continue their work, families, fans, and officials mourn the loss of seven lives in a devastating aviation accident that has cast a pall over the racing world.