Seven individuals, together with former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his spouse, and their two youngsters had been killed Thursday morning when a Cessna Quotation II enterprise jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport (SVH) in North Carolina.
The accident occurred on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at roughly 10:15 a.m. native time, following a quick flight that resulted in an tried return to the airport. Authorities have confirmed seven fatalities, together with Greg Biffle, his spouse Cristina, their 5-year-old son Ryder, Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma from a earlier marriage, Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, a longtime member of the NASCAR group.
The plane, a Cessna C550 Quotation II bearing registration N257BW, was owned by GB Aviation Leasing, an organization owned by Biffle.
What We Know In regards to the Flight
In keeping with FlightAware information, the Quotation departed Statesville at 10:06 a.m. native time. The jet climbed to roughly 2,000 ft earlier than descending to round 1,900 ft and leveling off.
Roughly 4 minutes after departure, the jet initiated a flip again towards SVH, suggesting one thing had gone unsuitable. About eight minutes into the flight, because the plane gave the impression to be lining up for an strategy to Runway 28, flight monitoring information ended.
Photographs circulating on social media point out that the plane did attain airport property, although it in the end crashed through the tried touchdown.
Early social media stories additionally cite a good friend of the household who claimed to have heard an “uncommon sound” because the plane departed, although officers haven’t confirmed any mechanical points.
FlightAware information exhibits the flight was headed for Sarasota/Bradenton Worldwide Airport (SRQ) in Florida, after which on to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) within the Bahamas.
Climate Situations Have been Deteriorating
Climate circumstances at Statesville Regional Airport had been poor and quickly worsening on the time of the accident.
At 1015, METAR information confirmed heavy drizzle and a ceiling close to 1,200 ft. By 1030, the ceiling had reportedly dropped to roughly 400 ft, with visibility decreased to below two miles.
An Investigation is Underway
Federal Aviation Administration personnel arrived at Statesville Regional Airport round midday Thursday, in response to media stories. The Nationwide Transportation Security Board can also be anticipated to take part within the investigation.
No official trigger has been decided, and investigators haven’t but commented on plane programs, pilot actions, or contributing components.
Folks Journal stories that Cristina’s mother, Cathy Grossu, acquired a textual content shortly earlier than the accident saying merely, “We’re in bother.”
Statesville Regional Airport, situated roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte, serves a big quantity of company aviation visitors and is ceaselessly utilized by NASCAR groups attributable to its proximity to the game’s North Carolina hub. The airport was closed following the accident and can stay closed till additional discover, in response to authorities.
Remembering Greg Biffle and His Household
Greg Biffle, 55, extensively recognized all through motorsports as “The Biff,” was a outstanding determine in American racing. Earlier than changing into a full-time NASCAR Cup Sequence driver, he gained championships within the Truck Sequence (2000) and Busch Sequence (2002). He competed full-time within the Cup Sequence from 2003 to 2016, primarily with workforce proprietor Jack Roush.
Throughout his Cup Sequence profession, Biffle earned 19 race wins and recorded six top-10 championship finishes, together with a runner-up end in 2005.
NASCAR is devastated by the tragic lack of Greg Biffle, his spouse Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a deadly aircraft crash.
Greg was greater than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR group, a fierce competitor, and a good friend to so many. His ardour for racing, his integrity, and his dedication to followers and fellow rivals alike made an enduring impression on the game.
On the observe, Greg’s expertise and tenacity earned him championships within the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Sequence, in addition to quite a few wins and accolades within the NASCAR Cup Sequence. Past his racing profession, he gave of himself for the betterment of our group. Most notably, Greg spent numerous hours of his time serving to the residents of North Carolina through the disasters that adopted Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.
Our ideas and deepest condolences exit to Greg’s complete household, mates, and all who had been touched by his life.
NASCAR Official Assertion
Biffle was the daddy of two youngsters. His daughter, Emma Elizabeth, was from his first marriage to Nicole Lunders, whereas his son, Ryder Jack, was born throughout his marriage to Cristina Grossu, whom Biffle married in 2023. Each youngsters had been killed within the crash alongside Greg Biffle and Cristina Grossu.
Away from the racetrack, Biffle was additionally deeply concerned in aviation and charitable work. He was a licensed helicopter pilot and have become well known for his humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene, when he used his helicopter to move provides to remoted and hard-hit communities throughout western North Carolina. His actions drew reward from each the aviation and motorsports communities.
The group of household and mates was touring to Florida to fulfill others for a gathering deliberate in celebration of Biffle, who was scheduled to show 56 years outdated on Tuesday.
Growing Story
The reason for the crash stays below investigation. As with all aviation accidents, the method is predicted to take time, and investigators have urged persistence as information are confirmed.
It is a creating story. AvGeekery will proceed to replace this text as extra confirmed data turns into accessible.
