Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle and Family

A devastating plane crash in North Carolina has resulted in the loss of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family, along with three others. The Cessna C550 went down shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport, igniting a fire upon impact. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. Biffle, a celebrated driver with numerous accolades, was remembered fondly by the NASCAR community. Eyewitnesses described the shocking scene as golfers nearby witnessed the tragedy unfold. This incident adds to a troubling year for aviation safety in the U.S.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 13:29 IST

Devastating Incident in North Carolina

A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a business jet crashed shortly after taking off from a North Carolina airport, resulting in the deaths of all seven individuals on board, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, as confirmed by local authorities.

The Cessna C550 burst into flames upon impact with the ground. It had taken off from Statesville Regional Airport, located approximately 72 kilometers north of Charlotte, but quickly encountered trouble while attempting to return for a landing, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Flight records indicate that the aircraft was owned by a company associated with Biffle. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, as does the reason for the plane's return amid rainy and overcast conditions.

According to Federal Aviation Administration records, Biffle was certified to operate helicopters as well as single and multi-engine aircraft. It is not known if he was at the controls during the incident.

On board with Biffle were his wife, Cristina, and their children, Ryder, aged 5, and Emma, aged 14, as stated by the highway patrol and a family announcement. The other passengers included Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

In a heartfelt family statement, they expressed, “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”

At 55, Biffle had an impressive racing career, winning over 50 races across NASCAR's three series, including 19 in the Cup Series. He also secured the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

The NASCAR community expressed its sorrow over the loss. “Greg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” the organization stated. “His passion for racing, integrity, and dedication to fans and fellow competitors left a lasting mark on the sport.”

The ill-fated flight, which was headed to Florida, took off shortly after 10 AM, as per tracking data from FlightAware.com.

Golfers at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club were taken aback as they witnessed the crash, with some dropping to the ground as the plane flew overhead. Debris from the crash scattered across the ninth hole.

Joshua Green, a golfer from Mooresville, recounted, “We were like, Oh my gosh! That’s way too low. It was scary.”

Investigations are currently being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Cessna, manufactured in 1981, is a well-regarded mid-sized business jet known for its reliability, according to aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti. It typically accommodates six to eight passengers and two pilots.

In 2024, Biffle was recognized for his humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene, using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to remote areas in western North Carolina that were affected by flooding.

US Representative Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina, shared, “The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were.”

Wadsworth, a friend of Biffle, assisted him with various tasks, including delivering supplies to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene, as noted by roommate Benito Howell. “He didn’t know how to say no,” Howell remarked about Wadsworth, who had been involved with several NASCAR teams. “He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody.”

The family statement also honored Dutton and his son Jack, stating they were “deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.”

As 2025 nears its end, the NTSB has investigated 1,331 crashes in the US this year, ranging from small two-seat planes to commercial airliners, compared to 1,482 total crashes in 2024.

Significant aviation disasters in 2025 include a plane-helicopter collision in Washington that resulted in 67 fatalities, an Air India crash that claimed 260 lives, and a crash in Russia's Far East that killed 48 individuals. Additionally, a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including 11 on the ground.