Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Former NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with six others including his wife and two children, tragically lost their lives on Thursday morning. Their Cessna C550 Citation business jet crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
The aircraft, which was owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC (a company linked to Biffle), departed from Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:06 a.m., bound for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in Florida. Shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced difficulties and attempted to return to the airport. Unfortunately, the aircraft crashed around 10:15 a.m. while attempting an emergency landing, leading to a large fire upon impact.
All seven occupants aboard the 1981 Cessna 550 perished in the crash. The victims included Biffle’s wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, and three other passengers identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the cause of the accident. Weather conditions at the time included heavy drizzle, reduced visibility, and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet.
Biffle, 55, had a successful NASCAR career, winning 19 Cup Series races. He was recently recognized for his humanitarian efforts. Using his personal helicopter, he delivered aid to remote areas of western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in 2024. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed condolences, noting that “Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion.”
Source: CNN