Statesville, North Carolina, December 20, 2025
The community of Statesville, North Carolina, is grief-stricken following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his family, and others. The Cessna C550 crashed shortly after takeoff, initiating a thorough investigation by the NTSB. Biffle, known for his philanthropy and racing achievements, leaves behind a legacy of humanitarian efforts, including hurricane relief missions and the establishment of an animal welfare foundation. The outpouring of tributes highlights his deep impact on the NASCAR community.
Statesville Mourns NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle After Tragic Plane Crash
Statesville, North Carolina is in mourning following a tragic plane crash on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that claimed the lives of former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Biffle, their daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5. Also among the seven fatalities were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth. The Cessna C550 business jet, owned by Biffle’s company, crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport, approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, as it attempted to return to the runway. The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. local time amid drizzle and cloudy conditions.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a full investigation into the crash, with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials also participating. Investigators arrived on the scene Friday to examine the wreckage, which included the aircraft striking light poles and a tree line before erupting in a large fire. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash and who was serving as the lead pilot, as three individuals on board held pilot licenses, including Biffle, who was rated to fly helicopters, and single and multi-engine planes. No emergency calls from the jet were reported prior to the crash. The airport will remain closed through Saturday as the investigation continues. Families of the victims have issued a joint statement expressing their profound heartbreak and requesting privacy.
Widespread Grief and Tributes from the Racing World
The news of Greg Biffle’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the NASCAR community and beyond. Tributes have poured in from racing leaders, current and former drivers, and a vast network of fans, remembering Biffle not only for his fierce competitiveness on the track but also for his profound impact as a humanitarian. Many have described him as “a good race car driver, a better human” who consistently demonstrated generosity to others.
In Mooresville, North Carolina, often considered the heart of NASCAR country, a memorial has swiftly grown around Biffle’s marble star at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. This outpouring of grief highlights the deep connections Biffle forged within the racing world and with communities across North Carolina.
A Legacy Beyond the Racetrack
Greg Biffle’s career in NASCAR was distinguished by remarkable consistency and versatility. He achieved the rare feat of winning championships in multiple NASCAR series, securing the NASCAR Truck Series title in 2000 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2002. He went on to earn 19 victories in the premier NASCAR Cup Series and was honored as a member of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. After stepping away from full-time racing in 2016, Biffle’s passion for aviation led him to become a licensed pilot, a skill he notably used for significant humanitarian efforts.
One of his most lauded contributions was his heroic work following Hurricane Helene in 2024. Biffle, piloting his personal helicopter, undertook numerous missions to deliver essential supplies and rescue individuals stranded in remote, flooded areas of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. These efforts were widely praised for saving lives. He also established the Greg Biffle Foundation, dedicated to animal rescue, welfare, and support. The foundation provided resources to animal shelters and veterinary care, showcasing his commitment to charitable causes.
His humanitarian spirit has led many fans and figures within the racing community to advocate for a new top-tier award within NASCAR, to be named in his honor, celebrating drivers who exemplify his charitable and humanitarian legacy.
The Investigation Continues
The NTSB investigation into Thursday’s crash is expected to be a thorough and meticulous process. While a preliminary report, summarizing basic factual information, typically emerges within 30 to 90 days, the comprehensive final report detailing the probable cause can take between 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on the complexity of the accident. Investigators will analyze all gathered data, including flight logs, maintenance records, and air traffic control communications, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. The focus remains on understanding what led to the aircraft’s attempt to return to the airport and the subsequent fatal crash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Greg Biffle?
NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5, along with Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, died in a Cessna C550 business jet crash on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Statesville Regional Airport, North Carolina.
When and where did the plane crash occur?
The crash occurred on Thursday, December 18, 2025, around 10:20 a.m. local time, at Statesville Regional Airport, North Carolina, approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte.
Who is investigating the plane crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
What was Greg Biffle’s legacy in NASCAR?
Greg Biffle was a NASCAR legend, a two-time national series champion (Truck Series in 2000 and Xfinity Series in 2002), and a 19-time Cup Series winner. He was also honored as a member of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, known for his consistency, versatility, and technical racing intelligence.
Did Greg Biffle participate in humanitarian efforts?
Yes, beyond racing, Greg Biffle was a noted humanitarian. He piloted helicopter missions to deliver supplies and rescue stranded individuals in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee after Hurricane Helene in 2024. He also established the Greg Biffle Foundation, supporting animal welfare and other causes.
Key Features of the Event and Greg Biffle’s Legacy
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Fatal Cessna C550 business jet crash | Local (Statesville, NC) |
| Date & Time | December 18, 2025, around 10:20 a.m. local time | Local (Statesville, NC) |
| Victims | Greg Biffle (55), Cristina Biffle, Emma (14), Ryder (5), Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, Craig Wadsworth | State-level (North Carolina residents) |
| Investigation Lead | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) | Nationwide |
| NASCAR Career | Truck Series Champion (2000), Xfinity Series Champion (2002), 19 Cup Series Wins, Member of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers | Nationwide |
| Humanitarian Efforts | Piloted relief missions after Hurricane Helene (2024), founded Greg Biffle Foundation for animal welfare | State-level (North Carolina, Tennessee) / Nationwide (Foundation) |
| Community Reaction | Widespread mourning in NASCAR community and North Carolina; calls for humanitarian award in his honor | Nationwide / State-level (North Carolina) |
Now Happening on X
- @theobserver (December 18, 2025, 7:10 AM) A 911 call led to the discovery of a body in a Charlotte residential neighborhood, prompting an investigation by CMPD. View on X
- @CMPD (December 15, 2025, 12:28 PM) Operation Safe Season resulted in enhanced security in Uptown Charlotte, with multiple agencies seizing narcotics, firearms, and arresting criminals over the weekend. View on X
- @wsoctv (December 15, 2025, 6:45 AM) Four individuals were arrested and firearms seized following reports of suspicious activity in north Charlotte. View on X
- @wcnc (December 15, 2025, 5:04 AM) A homicide investigation is underway after a shooting in southeast Charlotte. View on X
- @RHHerald (December 15, 2025, 6:50 AM) Charlotte’s latest homicide has been linked to the parking lot of a daycare, according to reports. View on X
- @wsoctv (December 14, 2025, 10:45 AM) A Charlotte man was arrested after drugs were found in his car and a hotel room, as reported by CMPD. View on X
- @MustReadNewz (December 15, 2025, 7:10 AM) Charlotte is prioritizing a $3.4 million transit marketing campaign over safety improvements following recent stabbings, according to the GOP chair. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Mourns Losses from Plane Crash and Apartment Fire
Tragic Cessna Business Jet Crash in Statesville Claims Lives
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of NASCAR Family
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
