Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle among seven killed in North Carolina plane crash

A business jet crashed in North Carolina shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing all seven people on board, authorities said. Those killed included retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family. The aircraft went down near Statesville, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, as it attempted to return to the airport.

Crash shortly after departure

The Cessna C550 business jet took off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. local time, according to flight tracking data from FlightAware. Minutes later, the pilot attempted to turn back toward the airport. The plane crashed while trying to land, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.

The jet struck the ground and burst into flames. All seven people on board died at the scene. At the time of the crash, the area had drizzle and low cloud cover, though investigators have not said whether weather played a role.

The plane was headed to Florida and was registered to a company operated by Biffle, flight records show. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash.

Victims identified

Authorities identified the victims as Greg Biffle, 55; his wife, Cristina; and their two children, Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. The others killed were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

In a joint family statement, relatives said the loss was devastating. “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement said.

Witnesses describe chaotic scene

The crash happened near the Lakewood Golf Club, which sits next to the airport. Golfers on the course said they noticed the plane flying unusually low just before it went down.

“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville, who was playing nearby. Several golfers dropped to the ground as the jet passed overhead. Debris later covered parts of the ninth hole, witnesses said.

Emergency crews quickly secured the area. Investigators began documenting the scene soon after.

Investigation underway

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The NTSB said it will review flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions, and pilot actions.

Aviation records show the Cessna C550 was built in 1981. The model is a common mid-sized business jet that typically carries six to eight passengers. Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said the aircraft has a strong reputation, adding that its age alone does not point to a cause.

Officials have not said how long the investigation may take. Final NTSB reports often take months or longer to complete.

Biffle’s racing career

Biffle was a well-known figure in American stock car racing. He won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three national series. His career included a Truck Series championship in 2000 and an Xfinity Series title in 2002, along with 19 victories in the Cup Series.

NASCAR said it was “devastated” by his death. In a statement, the organization described Biffle as a respected competitor and a valued member of the racing community.

Remembered for humanitarian efforts

In recent years, Biffle also gained recognition for humanitarian work. In 2024, he helped deliver aid after Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding in parts of the United States, including western North Carolina. Officials said he used his personal helicopter to reach isolated areas.

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina said the Biffles remained active in relief work even after that storm. He recalled that Cristina Biffle contacted him weeks earlier to ask how she could assist with disaster response efforts in Jamaica.

“That’s who the Biffles were,” Hudson said. “They were always looking for ways to help.”

Tributes to others on board

Friends and relatives also remembered the other victims. Craig Wadsworth, a close friend of Biffle, had worked for several NASCAR teams, according to those who knew him. He also helped deliver supplies after Hurricane Helene.

“He didn’t know how to say no,” said his roommate, Benito Howell. “He loved everybody and always tried to help.”

The family statement also honored Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, saying they were “deeply loved” and would be missed by many.

Broader aviation safety context

The crash adds to a growing number of aviation accidents investigated in the United States this year. With 2025 nearing its end, the NTSB has opened 1,331 crash investigations nationwide. That figure includes incidents involving small private aircraft and commercial planes. In 2024, the agency investigated 1,482 crashes.

Several major air disasters have also occurred around the world in 2025. These include a plane-helicopter collision in Washington, a fatal Air India crash, and an accident in Russia’s Far East.

For now, authorities say their focus remains on determining what caused the Statesville crash and on providing answers to the families of those who died.