NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, family among 7 killed in Statesville plane crash

4 hours ago

Kaitlin Wright, James Scott, Caryn Little, Jeff Monheit, AP,

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First responders tend to the scene of a reported plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
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First responders tend to the scene of a reported plane crash at a regional airport in Statesville, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
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FILE - Greg Biffle celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
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FILE - Former driver Greg Biffle waves to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Aug. 31, 2025, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
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FILE - Greg Biffle smiles along pit row during qualifying for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Hampton, Ga. (AP Photo/David Tulis, File)

STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A business jet carrying seven people, including retired NASCAR race driver Greg Biffle and his family, crashed Thursday in Statesville, killing everyone aboard, authorities said.

The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Charlotte. Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle.

“Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane,” state police said.

He was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and their children, Ryder and Emma. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

Joint statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders families:

We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.
Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders).
Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.
Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.
Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.
Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.
At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.

Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

NASCAR said it was devastated by the news.

“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,” NASCAR said. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”

The plane took off from the airport, bound for Florida, shortly after 10 a.m. but then returned and was attempting to land there, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.

Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was covered with debris.

“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville. “It was scary.”

The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA were investigating. AccuWeather says there was some drizzle and clouds at the time of the crash.

The airport’s website states that it offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.

With 2025 almost over, there have been 1,331 U.S. crashes this year investigated by the NTSB, from two-seat planes to commercial aircraft, compared to a total of 1,482 in 2024.

Major air disasters around the world in 2025 include the plane-helicopter collision that killed 67 in Washington, the Air India crash that killed 260 in India, and a crash in Russia’s Far East that claimed 48 lives. Fourteen people, including 11 on the ground, died in a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky.

Internet personality Cleetus McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, posted on Facebook saying Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder all died in the crash. He said they were on their way to visit him in Florida.

The crash happened around 10:15 a.m. Thursday. Watch the news conference below:

Flight logs from FlightAware indicate that the aircraft was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph at the time of the accident. The flight logs stop transmitting data just before 10:15 am.

According to FlightAware, the plane involved was a Cessna C550 business jet with tail number N257BW.

What we know:

All 7 passengers killed
Tail Number N257BW
Owner GB AVIATION LEASING LLC
Aircraft Type Cessna Citation II (twin-jet) (C550)
Reports of some drizzle and clouds at time of crash
Crash site at Statesville Regional Airport
- 45 miles from Charlotte, N.C.
- Serves NASCAR teams
- Serves Fortune 500 companies