NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle Plane Crash Kills Seven in North Carolina

 The plane crash raises immediate aviation-safety and investigation questions for families, the local community, and the wider NASCAR public.

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, was among seven people killed when a business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina, on Dec. 18, 2025, authorities and multiple news organizations reported.

The dead also included his wife, Cristina; two children, Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14; and three family friends identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are examining what led to the crash, with early reporting indicating the aircraft attempted to return shortly after takeoff before going down near the airport.

As in other U.S. civil aviation accidents, the investigation’s early phase focuses on verifying flight path data, communications, weather observations, and aircraft condition before any conclusions are released.

What Happened at Statesville Regional Airport on Dec. 18

On Dec. 18, a Cessna C550 business jet linked to a company operated by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashed while attempting to return to Statesville Regional Airport shortly after takeoff.

The aircraft went down during the attempted landing and was engulfed in a large fire. Statesville Regional Airport is a city-owned general aviation airport serving the Iredell County area, located just outside downtown Statesville.

Seven people were reported killed in the crash: Greg Biffle, 55; his wife, Cristina; their son Ryder, 5; Biffle’s daughter Emma, 14; and family friends Dennis Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth.

Separately, it was reported that Cristina Biffle’s mother said she received a final text message from her daughter reading, “We’re in trouble,” shortly before the crash.

Which Agencies Investigate a U.S. Civil Plane Crash and What Happens Next

In U.S. civil aviation accidents, the NTSB leads investigations into probable cause, while the FAA participates and also has a dedicated accident investigation and prevention office that coordinates related work.

Early steps typically include securing the scene, gathering perishable evidence, reviewing flight and maintenance records, and collecting witness and communications information.

The NTSB’s public guidance also explains that operators are required to submit an accident/incident report form after initial notification when the agency investigates.

Public-facing investigative products often begin with preliminary information and develop over time; an NTSB preliminary report is commonly expected within weeks for major events, while the final determination can take much longer.

What Is Known About the Aircraft Type and Why the Crash Matters

The aircraft involved in the crash was identified as a Cessna C550, part of the Citation family of business jets widely used for private and corporate travel.

The C550 is a small-to-mid-size jet that has been in service for decades and is typically configured to carry a limited number of passengers. Its long-standing use in general aviation makes it a familiar aircraft type for investigators assessing factors such as performance, maintenance history, and operating conditions.

Fatal crashes involving private aircraft draw attention beyond the individuals on board because they can affect airport operations, emergency response readiness, and broader confidence in general aviation safety.

Statesville Regional Airport serves as part of a regional aviation network supporting businesses and travelers, and a major accident can prompt procedural reviews even before a final cause is determined.

The wider public interest lies in how evidence-based investigations lead to safety findings that may influence future aviation practices.

Remembering the Lives Lost in the Greg Biffle Plane Crash

The Greg Biffle plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina claimed seven lives on Dec. 18, including the former NASCAR driver, his wife, and children.

What began as a private flight ended in a sudden tragedy that has left families, friends, and the wider community grieving the loss.

The fatal crash is now under federal investigation, with officials reviewing flight data, aircraft records, and physical evidence from the scene to determine what went wrong.

While the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances of the crash and honoring those who were killed, as authorities work toward answers that may help prevent similar tragedies in the future.