Statesville, North Carolina, December 19, 2025
A business jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina resulted in the death of all seven individuals on board, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family. The Cessna C550 aircraft encountered engine issues shortly after takeoff and crashed while attempting to return to the airport. Responders from multiple agencies are investigating the scene, as the airport remains closed indefinitely.
Statesville, North Carolina
A tragic incident unfolded at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, December 18, 2025, when a business jet crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all seven people aboard. Among the victims were retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their son Ryder, and Greg’s daughter Emma. The plane, a Cessna C550, experienced reported engine issues after departing for Florida and was attempting to return to the airport when it crashed around 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time. The impact resulted in a large fire, engulfing the aircraft in flames on airport property.
The fatal crash prompted a significant response from local, state, and federal agencies, including HazMat, EMS, Fire, Rescue, Emergency Management, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Statesville Regional Airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte, has been closed indefinitely as authorities investigate the scene.
Victims Identified in Statesville Plane Crash
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the seven individuals who perished in the devastating crash. They are: Greg Biffle, 55, a highly respected figure in NASCAR with over 50 career wins across various series; his wife, Cristina Biffle; their 5-year-old son, Ryder Biffle; and Greg’s 14-year-old daughter, Emma Biffle. Also among the deceased were Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton, along with Craig Wadsworth, who served as Biffle’s assistant and was a well-known personality within the NASCAR community. The plane, with tail number N257BW, was registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company owned by Greg Biffle.
Flight Path and Crash Details
The Cessna C550 Citation II took off from Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:07 a.m. ET, bound for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in Florida. However, shortly after departure, the pilot reportedly encountered engine issues. The aircraft then attempted to return to Statesville for an emergency landing, crashing during its reapproach to the airport approximately 10 minutes after takeoff. The plane collided with terrain before the runway, crossed a road and the airport’s perimeter fence, and ultimately came to rest on the runway, where it was consumed by fire.
Witnesses, including golfers at the adjacent Lakewood Golf Club, described the plane flying “way too low” before the crash and reported feeling the heat from the subsequent explosion. Debris from the wreckage was scattered across the ninth hole of the golf course.
Ongoing Investigation by Federal Authorities
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is spearheading the investigation into the crash, with support from the FAA. An NTSB “go team” of 16 investigators, comprising experts in systems, recorders, powerplants, drones, and family assistance, departed Washington Dulles Airport on Thursday and arrived on the scene in North Carolina. NTSB Member Michael Graham is expected to provide an initial media briefing on the investigation on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Investigators will thoroughly examine all potential contributing factors, including the reported engine trouble and weather conditions at the time of the crash. AccuWeather reported heavy drizzle and a low cloud ceiling of around 1,200 feet at 10:15 a.m., which further lowered to approximately 400 feet with heavy rain and reduced visibility by 10:30 a.m.. Determining whether these weather conditions played a role in the incident could take months or even longer. The NTSB expects its investigators to remain on site for about a week as they collect evidence. The NTSB’s role is to determine the “what” and “why” of the accident and to propose recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Statesville Regional Airport, known for serving corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, remains closed as the investigation progresses and cleanup efforts are underway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at Statesville Regional Airport on December 18, 2025?
A business jet, a Cessna C550, crashed at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, December 18, 2025, around 10:15 a.m. ET, killing all seven people aboard.
Who were the victims of the Statesville plane crash?
The seven victims were retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle (55), his wife Cristina Biffle, their 5-year-old son Ryder Biffle, Greg’s 14-year-old daughter Emma Biffle, Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
The aircraft involved was a Cessna C550 business jet, specifically a Cessna Citation II.
Where was the plane headed?
The plane was en route to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida.
What was the flight’s trajectory before the crash?
The plane departed Statesville Regional Airport, experienced reported engine issues shortly after takeoff, and was attempting to return to the airport for landing when it crashed about 10 minutes later.
Which agencies are investigating the Statesville plane crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Is Statesville Regional Airport currently open?
No, Statesville Regional Airport is closed until further notice as the investigation and cleanup efforts continue.
Key Features of the Statesville Plane Crash
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Thursday, December 18, 2025 | State-level |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 10:15 a.m. ET | State-level |
| Location | Statesville Regional Airport, Statesville, North Carolina | State-level |
| Aircraft Type | Cessna C550 business jet (Cessna Citation II) | Nationwide |
| Fatalities | 7 (all aboard) | State-level |
| Prominent Victim | Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle (55) | Nationwide |
| Reported Cause of Turnaround | Engine issues shortly after takeoff | State-level |
| Airport Status | Closed until further notice | State-level |
| Lead Investigating Agency | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) | Nationwide |
| Assisting Agency | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | Nationwide |
| Weather Conditions Reported | Heavy drizzle, low cloud ceiling | State-level |
| Intended Destination | Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Florida | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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