Federal investigators have launched a detailed examination of the wreckage from a fatal plane crash in North Carolina that claimed seven lives, including retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and his family. The Cessna business jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, erupting into flames and killing all aboard as it attempted to return in poor weather conditions.
The tragic incident occurred when the aircraft, bound for Florida, departed Statesville around 10 a.m. but faced immediate trouble, crashing less than ten minutes later while trying to land back at the airport. Eyewitnesses at the adjacent Lakewood Golf Club described the plane flying alarmingly low before impacting the ground near the ninth hole, scattering debris and prompting golfers to take cover. First responders rushed to the scene, but the intense fire and devastation left no survivors.
Among the victims were Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, their children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, along with family friend Craig Wadsworth and Dennis Dutton and his son Jack. The plane was registered to a company operated by Biffle, who held pilot licenses for helicopters and multiple types of aircraft, though it remains unclear who was at the controls during the crash. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed all identities, and a joint family statement expressed profound grief, noting the “immeasurable void” left by their loss.
Biffle was a celebrated figure in NASCAR, winning over 50 races across the sport’s top circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level, and championships in the Trucks and Xfinity series. NASCAR issued a heartfelt tribute, calling him “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” highlighting his integrity and lasting impact on racing. His marble star in Mooresville’s North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame quickly became a site for memorial flowers as fans mourned.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have dispatched teams to investigate the cause of the crash, focusing on why the plane returned to the airport amid drizzle and cloudy skies. On Friday, regulators began sifting through the wreckage at the closed airport, analyzing flight data and the aircraft’s condition to determine factors such as mechanical failure or pilot error. The Cessna C550, built in 1981, is a mid-sized jet with a strong safety record, typically seating up to ten people.
Beyond his racing career, Biffle was known for his humanitarian efforts, notably using his personal helicopter to deliver aid after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in 2024. U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson recalled Cristina Biffle’s recent outreach to help with relief in Jamaica, illustrating the family’s generosity. Wadsworth, described by his roommate as always eager to assist, had helped Biffle with supply deliveries post-hurricane, embodying a spirit of community service.
The investigation is ongoing, with the NTSB examining all aspects, from the plane’s maintenance history to weather conditions at the time of the crash. Authorities have not released preliminary findings, but the probe is expected to take months, following standard procedures for such incidents. The crash adds to a year marked by several aviation disasters globally, though U.S. crash rates have shown a slight decline compared to 2024.
As the community grapples with the loss, the focus remains on supporting the families and uncovering the truth behind the tragedy. The outcome of the federal investigation will be crucial for enhancing aviation safety and preventing similar accidents in the future.
