Statesville, North Carolina, December 20, 2025
A devastating plane crash near Statesville Regional Airport has resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family. The private jet encountered an issue shortly after takeoff, leading to a failed return attempt and a deadly crash before 10:20 a.m. on December 18, 2025. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, which occurred under adverse weather conditions, as the community mourns the loss of its beloved racing figure and his family.
Statesville, North Carolina
Statesville, North Carolina – Tragedy struck on Thursday, December 18, 2025, when a private jet carrying retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, and six other individuals, including members of his family, crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport. All seven occupants onboard perished in the incident. The Cessna C550 business jet, registered to a company run by Biffle, had departed the airport at approximately 10:15 a.m. and was attempting to return when it went down.
Crash Details and Victims Identified
The aircraft experienced an undisclosed issue minutes after leaving Statesville Regional Airport, prompting the pilots to initiate a return. The plane crashed into light poles and a tree line short of the runway, erupting into a large fire upon impact. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the crash occurred around 10:20 a.m.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the seven individuals who lost their lives. They are Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their 14-year-old daughter Emma Biffle, and 5-year-old son Ryder Biffle. Also among the deceased were Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth. This heartbreaking loss includes five adults and two children.
Investigation Underway Amidst Adverse Weather
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the fatal crash. Investigators are focusing on understanding why the plane turned back approximately five to ten minutes after its initial departure. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered, which is expected to provide critical insights into the events leading up to the accident.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash included heavy drizzle, cloudy skies, and low visibility, with fog also reported. However, there was no significant wind. While these conditions were adverse, it has not yet been confirmed if they were a direct cause or contributing factor to the crash.
Aircraft and Flight Path
The crashed aircraft was identified as a Cessna C550 business jet. Flight records indicate the plane was registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company operated by Greg Biffle. The flight was reportedly scheduled to travel from Statesville to Sarasota, Florida, then on to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas, before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and finally back to Statesville later that evening.
It has been noted that Biffle held a pilot’s license, as did two other individuals on board: Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton, who possessed a private pilot’s license for single-engine planes.
Witness Accounts and Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses in the vicinity of the airport reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before the crash. Some individuals playing golf at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club were startled by the aircraft overhead and felt the heat from the subsequent explosion. Emergency services, including HazMat, EMS, Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, responded swiftly to the crash site, which was described by a Highway Patrol sergeant as one of the worst he had ever witnessed.
Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves as a hub for corporate aviation and is frequently used by several NASCAR teams. The airport will remain closed at least through Saturday as the NTSB continues its extensive investigation.
Legacy of a NASCAR Star
Greg Biffle, 55, was a highly respected figure in the world of NASCAR. Throughout his illustrious career, he achieved more than 50 victories across NASCAR’s three major circuits. This included 19 wins in the premier Cup Series. He also secured championships in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2000 and the Xfinity Series in 2002. Biffle was recently honored as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers of all time. The NASCAR community has expressed profound sadness and offered tributes to his legacy as a fierce competitor and a beloved member of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Greg Biffle?
Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, and six other individuals, including members of his family, died in a plane crash on Thursday, December 18, 2025, after the private jet they were in crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina.
When and where did the plane crash occur?
The crash occurred on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. local time, near Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina.
Who were the victims of the plane crash?
The seven fatalities included Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, their daughter Emma Biffle (14), son Ryder Biffle (5), Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
The aircraft involved was a Cessna C550 business jet, which was registered to a company run by Greg Biffle.
What were the weather conditions at the time of the crash?
At the time of the crash, there was heavy drizzle, cloudy conditions, and low visibility. Fog was also reported, but there was no wind.
Who is investigating the plane crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the plane crash.
What was Greg Biffle’s career in NASCAR?
Greg Biffle, 55, was a retired NASCAR driver who won over 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 Cup Series victories. He was also a Craftsman Truck Series champion in 2000 and an Xfinity Series title winner in 2002, and was recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers of all time.
Key Details of the Greg Biffle Plane Crash
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Fatal plane crash involving Greg Biffle and family | Local (Statesville, NC) |
| Date | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | Local |
| Time | Approximately 10:15 – 10:20 a.m. local time | Local |
| Location | Statesville Regional Airport, Statesville, North Carolina | Local (Statesville, NC) |
| Fatalities | 7 (Greg Biffle, Cristina Biffle, Emma Biffle, Ryder Biffle, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, Craig Wadsworth) | Local |
| Aircraft Type | Cessna C550 business jet | Nationwide (aircraft model) |
| Aircraft Registration | Registered to a company run by Greg Biffle (GB Aviation Leasing) | Nationwide (registration details) |
| Incident Summary | Plane turned back shortly after takeoff and crashed while attempting to return to the airport | Local |
| Weather Conditions | Heavy drizzle, cloudy, low visibility, fog (no wind) | Local |
| Investigating Bodies | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) | Nationwide |
| Greg Biffle’s Age | 55 years old | Nationwide |
| Greg Biffle’s Career Highlight | NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion (2000), NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion (2002), 19 NASCAR Cup Series wins, named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers | Nationwide |
| Airport Status | Closed at least through Saturday, December 20, 2025 | Local (Statesville, NC) |
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