Listen to this article
Approximately 3 minutes
The audio version of this article was created using artificial intelligence technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We work with our partners to continually analyze and improve results.
A business jet carrying seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, crashed Thursday at a North Carolina airport, killing everyone on board, authorities said.
The Cessna C550 plane hit the ground and burst into flames. It took off from Statesville Regional Airport, about 72 kilometers north of Charlotte, but crashed a short time later while attempting to return and land, the North Carolina Highway Patrol said.
Flight records show the plane was registered to a company operated by Biffle.
“Although the fire that occurred following the crash prevents us from releasing a final passenger list at this time, it is believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were on the aircraft,” state police said.
He was on the plane with his wife Christina and children Ryder and Emma. Other passengers on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.
Biffle, 55, has won more than 50 races at NASCAR's three tracks, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
NASCAR Community Favorite
NASCAR said it was devastated by the news.
“Greg was more than just a champion racer; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to many,” NASCAR said. in the statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity and dedication to fans and fellow competitors have had a lasting impact on the sport.”
The Florida-bound plane took off from Stateville Airport shortly after 10 a.m. local time, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.
Golfers playing near the airport were shocked to see the crash and even fell to the ground at Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was littered with debris.
“We thought, 'Oh my God!' It's too low,” said Joshua Green of Mooresville, North Carolina. “It was scary.”
The investigation is being conducted by the US National Transportation Safety Board and the US Federal Aviation Administration.
In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian work in the wake of Hurricane Helen, even using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to the flooded remote western part of North Carolina.
“The last time I spoke to Christina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to us and asked how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s what the Biffles were,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, a North Carolina Republican. says the statement.
According to roommate Benito Howell, Wadsworth was a friend of Biffle's and helped him with odd jobs, including delivering supplies to areas damaged by Hurricane Helen.
“He didn't know how to say no,” Howell said of Wadsworth, who worked for several NASCAR teams. “He loved everyone. He always tried to help everyone.”
