STATESVILLE, N.C. — Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, his wife, Cristina, son Ryder and daughter Emma were among seven people killed when his private jet crashed Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” family members said in a joint statement. “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”
>>Return to this story and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. at the airport, which is located about 45 miles north of Charlotte.
During an afternoon news conference, Highway Patrol Sgt. Christopher Knox said it was one of the worst crashes he has ever seen. Highway Patrol said seven people were onboard. All of them perished.
Officials are awaiting confirmation from the medical examiner to officially release all the identities.
Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Truck Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
The NASCAR family is devastated at the loss of Greg Biffle, who was one of our 75 greatest drivers and became known for his relentless post-career humanitarian work.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) December 18, 2025
We extend our deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/Q7nh6ug1iW
The crash investigation
The Cessna C550 business jet took off from the airport shortly after 10 a.m.but then returned and was attempting to land on reapproach before crashing, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.
The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, data showed.
Channel 9 obtained video showing how far the plane skidded after impact. The trail of scorched earth started at the end of a golf course, crossed a road, through a fence and across a field before coming to a rest at the end of the runway.
The plane is owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing, which lists the same address as Biffle himself, according to public records.
The Statesville Regional Airport’s website states that it offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
Knox said National Transportation Safety Board team will be in Statesville, and they are planning on holding a media briefing on Friday.
The investigation being conducted by the FAA and NTSB is ongoing. The Highway Patrol secured the scene.
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Channel 9’s Erica Bryant spoke with aviation expert Michael Lowrey who said it will be important to learn whether one or two pilots were in the cockpit of the plane.
“Some of these older Cessna 550s, you can certify for single-pilot operations,” Lowery said. “If you have a pilot that’s specifically certified, you could be flying with no copilot.”
Lowery added, “First question I would have is, ‘Is this single-pilot operations? Do we have one pilot do we have two? What is the experience or qualification of pilot or pilots? Why did this plane decide it needed to return to the airport? What is that issue that necessitates the return? How serious is it? Does it impact the ability of the plane to fly?’ Then you have to get into the head of the pilot. What did they perceive?”
Lowrey said that we could likely expect a preliminary report about the findings to be released in about a month.
A complete report might take 1 to 2 years.
Weather
Chopper 9 Skyzoom, which was on its way to the scene, had to turn back due to inclement weather conditions that limited visibility at the airport to about 5 miles.
Fog was present at the time of the crash, although it is not confirmed if this contributed to the accident, as the current weather conditions are being investigated.
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Witnesses: ‘Huge explosion’
A witness from nearby Lakewood Golf Club saw the business-class jet crash and stated that the plane was “way too low” before there was “a huge explosion.”
“I didn’t hear anything,” said witness Scott Sain, with Maynard Electric. “But I went across and the whole end of the runway was on fire.”
The plane appeared to make a last-ditch attempt to go back into the sky before its crash landing, he said.
The plane appeared to make a last-ditch attempt to go back into the sky before its crash landing.
Green and his buddies were golfing on the course next to the runway when it happened.
“I turned my head and looked at my buddies go on the ground, and that’s when I saw the plane reach the tree line of Hole 9 and ultimately nosedived into the ground,” Green said. “It was terrible to watch, and all of us in the group are still shaken up.”
Green called 911 and ran toward the wreckage before backing away, worried there may be another explosion.
Scott Sain was working on a construction project at a new terminal 300 yards away and saw smoke and flames.
He immediately thought about the people on board.
“Sad. Sad for the folks,” Sain said. “We’re here in the Christmas season and there’s going to be some families that are hurting at this time.”
Eric Jones was also working near the new terminal.
“When I walked over there, you could actually see the flames,” said Jones. “It was huge. Very sad. Very sad. Praying for everybody.”
Brevin Renwick is a neighbor who saw the wreck from his front porch right after the crash. He said the sound woke him up.
“Feeling speechless man, to be honest,” Renwick told Channel 9’s Ken Lemon. “The house shook and the way my dog just reacted to the noise.”
Renwick said he knew this might not end well for the people in the plane.
“About 200 yards in the front yard, seeing big smoke, fire, and everything. I just put my prayers out, everyone that was involved over there; hoping the greatness of God would come through for them,” Renwick said.
The plane clipped a pole and brushed tree tops near Rodney Bass’ home. We saw the tree limbs on the ground on Aviation Drive.
“My wife let my dog out, she heard a loud swooshing sound. We were so surprised this happened, planes come in and out of here all day long,” Bass said. “All of our prayers go up to them people, we are so sorry to hear of this tragedy.”
A humanitarian
He is also known for his work off the racetrack, helping Hurricane Helene victims.
“Greg flew several different days into our community, kind of on the upper end of the community, in the Cattail area, which was really hard, really hard hit,” said Bradley Boone, the assistant chief at the Pensacola Fire Department in Yancey County. “He actually performed some rescues up there and brought some people out.”
Boone said Biffle was down to earth and easy going.
“And he was a huge help to a community that really, really needed it,” Boone said. “So, you know, that’s kind of thing you don’t ever forget.”
Boone talked about Biffle’s humanitarian efforts in the wake of Helene.
“Sunday came. They were worried about, you know, ‘What are we going to do?’’ Boone said. “I mean, everybody was cut off from the world. And they just, they got in the station there and started praying for help. And they hadn’t much more than said, ‘Amen.’ They looked and there was a blue helicopter circling overhead.”
Boone said Biffle’s home became a base for private aircraft to take life-saving supplies to the mountains. He brought not just supplies but hope for the people there.
“I’ve seen a lot of posts from Pensacola people on Facebook,” Boone said. “Everybody’s heartbroken. It’s a sad day for us in Pensacola.”
NASCAR Community Reacts
After Biffle and his family were identified as victims in the crash, fellow drivers and NASCAR officials spoke out in support.
Statement from NASCAR:
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.
Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life."
Statement from Jeff Gordon:
Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track. Like so many others, I was inspired by his tireless relief work during Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to the Biffle family and everyone hurting.
Charlotte Motor Speedway:
Greg was the consummate competitor on the track and a true humanitarian. We are praying for his extended family and everyone impacted by this tragic loss.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director Winston Kelley:
“First and foremost, on behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I want to offer our most sincere condolences to the Biffle, Grossu and Dutton families on the tragic passing of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, son Ryder and daughter Emma as well as NASCAR veteran Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and son Jack.
Greg’s accomplishments are extensive, as represented by his nomination to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but eclipsed by the quality person he was.
Greg was recognized with the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Myers Brothers Award in 2024 and North Carolina Motorsports Association’s (NCMA) Philanthropy Award in 2025 for his extraordinary work delivering supplies to the thousands of people impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
In NASCAR, Greg was the 2002 NASCAR Busch (now O’Reilly Auto Parts) series champion and 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck series champion, the first driver to win the championship in both of those series. He won 56 races in NASCAR’s national series, 19 in the NASCAR Cup Series, 20 in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and 17 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In 2023 during NASCAR’s diamond anniversary, he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers.
Both his record across NASCAR’s national series and his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most versatile drivers validates his nomination for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and selection as one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers.
Greg and his wife Cristina were also ardent supporters of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation participating in numerous fundraisers to assist children most in need through the Hall’s educational programming.
NASCAR is and has always been a family sport and we are devasted by this loss. Their legacy and the incredible influence they left will be forever remembered and engrained in our hearts and minds.”
Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders families:
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.
“Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
VIDEO: Channel 9 gets inside look at how NTSB investigates aircraft crashes
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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