By Amanda Castro and Hannah Parry
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and his children were killed on Thursday when their small jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport, according to the highway patrol and a family statement.
At least seven people died when the Cessna aircraft attempted to return to its origin airport and land, prompting an immediate federal investigation. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
Weather experts told Newsweek that "heavy drizzle" and poor visibility were reported near Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the crash on Thursday - conditions that can be key factors in a plane crash.
What to Know:
- The crash occurred around 10:20 a.m. Thursday, December 18, at Statesville Regional Airport.
- The FAA confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway.
- Local outlets WSOC and Fox 8 report the aircraft is registered to Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing.
- Fellow NASCAR driver Garrett Mitchell, known online as Cleetus McFarland, said on Facebook that Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on board.
- Mitchell described the family as close friends and said they were en route to spend the afternoon together.
- Biffle, 55, is one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.
- He was named 2001 Rookie of the Year in the Busch Series and went on to win the 2002 championship.
- Between 2003 and 2016, Biffle captured 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories.
- He married Cristina Grossu in 2023; they share a 5‑year‑old son, Ryder. Biffle also has a 14‑year‑old daughter, Emma, with ex‑wife Nicole Lunders.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Dec 18, 2025 at 07:53 PM EST
Heavy drizzle and poor visibility reported near airport where jet crashed
An AccuWeather forecaster told Newsweek that "heavy drizzle" and poor visibility were reported near Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the crash on Thursday - conditions that can be key factors in a plane crash.
“Adverse weather conditions were reported in the vicinity of Statesville Regional Airport around the time of the plane crash. Heavy drizzle and a cloud ceiling near 1,200 feet were reported at 10:15 a.m. The cloud ceiling had reportedly lowered to around 400 feet, with heavy rain reducing visibility to less than 2 miles at 10:30 a.m, Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather Vice President of Forecasting Operations, told Newsweek,
"Weather conditions are often a critical factor that investigators carefully review after a plane crash. It may take months to a year or longer for investigators to determine if the weather conditions contributed to the crash."
Dec 18, 2025 at 07:42 PM EST
NTSB and FAA investigating the cause of the deadly crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of Thursday's plane crash that left 7 dead including Greg Biffle.
Crashes investigated by the NTSB dropped in 2025, from 1,482 in 2024 to 1,331 this year, despite a number of major aviation disasters including the plane-helicopter collision that killed 67 in Washington, and the UPS cargo plane crash that killed 14 in Kentucky including 11 on the ground. International disasters included the the Air India crash that killed 260 in India, and a crash in Russia’s Far East that claimed 48 lives.
The cause of Thursday's crash wasn't immediately known, and it is not yet clear why the plane was returning to its origin airport amid drizzle and cloudy conditions.
Dec 18, 2025 at 07:20 PM EST
Kurt Busch ‘devastated’ by loss of friend Greg Biffle
Kurt Busch, a NASCAR Cup Series and Daytona 500 Champion, said he was "devastated" to hear about the death of his "friend Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, and their children Emma and Ryder."
"This kind of loss is impossible to understand, and I’m keeping their loved ones in my thoughts and prayers during this tragic time," he wrote in a post on X.
He also shared a number of photos of Biffle racing and at the track.
Dec 18, 2025 at 07:04 PM EST
NASCAR legend Jeffery Gordon pays tribute to ‘inspiring’ Biffle
NASCAR legend Jeffery Gordon said that he was inspired by Greg Biffle and his "tireless" humanitarian work, as he paid tribute to the driver.
"Devastating news. I had such tremendous respect for Greg as a driver, and we shared countless tough battles on the track," Gordon said in a post on X.
"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."
Dec 18, 2025 at 06:37 PM EST
NASCAR pays tribute to one of its ‘greatest drivers’ after death of Biffle
NASCAR's official X account has paid tribute to Greg Biffle, which it described as one of its "greatest drivers."
"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," they said on X.
"We extend our deepest condolences."
Dec 18, 2025 at 06:25 PM EST
Other plane crash victims identified
At least seven people were killed on Thursday when a small jet crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport.
NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder and Emma, were among the victims according to the highway patrol and a family statement.
Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
The airport confirmed that a small passenger jet crashed while attempting to land, prompting an immediate federal investigation.
Dec 18, 2025 at 06:10 PM EST
Golfers describe horror moment they saw Biffle’s plane crash and burst into flames
The Cessna plane, carrying Biffle and his family, while landing at Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Golfers playing next to the airport were horrified to witness the crash, with many dropping to the ground as the plane flew overhead.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green of Mooresville, who was playing at the Lakewood Golf Club. “It was scary.”
The ninth hole was left covered with debris after the fatal crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
Dec 18, 2025 at 05:45 PM EST
Former NASCAR driver, Fox Sports Analyst Clint Bowyer Tributes Biffle
Former NASCAR driver and current Fox Sports motorsports analyst Clint Bowyer posted on X, "Absolutely crushed about the loss of Greg Biffle and his beautiful family. An unbelievable talent behind the controls of literally anything. Checked all the boxes…Great guy, helped people in need, and most importantly was a great family man. Devastated for everyone!"
Dec 18, 2025 at 05:20 PM EST
House Rep. Richard Hudson ‘Devastated’
Republican Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina posted on X, "I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track. The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss."
Dec 18, 2025 at 04:57 PM EST
Biffle crash recalls Hendrick Motorsports tragedy in 2004
The fatal plane crash that claimed the life of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family in North Carolina has drawn comparisons to one of the sport’s darkest days.
On October 24, 2004, a Beechcraft Super King Air owned by Hendrick Motorsports went down in Virginia while approaching Blue Ridge Airport near Martinsville Speedway. All 12 people on board were killed, including team president John Hendrick, his twin daughters, and Ricky Hendrick, a rising driver and heir to the Hendrick racing empire. Several senior staff members and two pilots also perished.
The Hendrick crash underscored the risks of private aviation in motorsports, where teams and drivers often rely on aircraft to travel quickly between events. The loss of Biffle, 55, and his family in Thursday’s accident at Statesville Regional Airport is a painful reminder of how deeply aviation tragedies have scarred NASCAR’s history.
Dec 18, 2025 at 04:44 PM EST
CARS Tour offers condolences after Biffle plane crash
The CARS Tour racing series expressed its condolences Thursday following the death of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family in a North Carolina plane crash.
“Our hearts are with the entire Biffle family, their loved ones, and everyone else involved during this difficult time,” the organization said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences on behalf of the CARS Tour community.”
Dec 18, 2025 at 04:29 PM EST
Greg Biffle remembered for heroic Hurricane Helene rescues
Tributes continue to pour in for former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle following his death in a North Carolina plane crash. Among them, Matt Van Swol recalled Biffle’s extraordinary volunteer work during Hurricane Helene.
Van Swol wrote that Biffle flew his personal helicopter into the mountains daily for two weeks to rescue victims stranded by the storm. “Greg Biffle was one of the most heroic volunteers during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” he said. “A true hero.”
Dec 18, 2025 at 04:12 PM EST
Photographer mourns Greg Biffle after fatal plane crash
Sports photographer Mark J. Rebilas called the death of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family in a North Carolina plane crash “brutal news.”
Rebilas, who has covered motorsports for decades, noted that Biffle’s legacy extended far beyond his racing accomplishments. “More impressive than his driving career was everything he did in retirement helping the less fortunate and victims of natural disasters,” he wrote on social media.
Dec 18, 2025 at 03:50 PM EST
Motorsport pays tribute to Biffle
Motorsport further confirmed Biffle’s death in a statement mourning the loss of “a leader and a humanitarian.” Local officials said the crash occurred at Statesville Regional Airport, though details about the investigation remain limited.
Dec 18, 2025 at 03:37 PM EST
What to know about Greg Biffle
...
Gregory Jack Biffle, known to fans as “the Biff,” built one of the most versatile résumés in NASCAR history. Born in 1969, Biffle broke into the sport in the mid‑1990s through the Winter Heat Series, where his talent caught the attention of veteran announcer Benny Parsons and team owner Jack Roush.
With Roush Racing, Biffle quickly rose through the ranks. He earned Rookie of the Year honors in the Craftsman Truck Series in 1998 and captured the series championship two years later. He repeated that trajectory in the Busch Series, winning Rookie of the Year in 2001 and the championship in 2002.
From 2003 to 2016, Biffle drove the No. 16 Ford in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, collecting 19 victories. He remains one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Truck and Busch Series, and one of just 36 to win races across all three national divisions.
Biffle later returned for part‑time competition, including Truck Series starts with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2019 and 2020, and most recently raced in the ARCA Menards Series West.
Dec 18, 2025 at 03:22 PM EST
Weather and flight path
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich shared an animation of the plane’s flight path, showing the aircraft turned back toward the airport before crashing.
He said visibility was limited at the time, and the plane went down while attempting to land after circling back.
Dec 18, 2025 at 03:09 PM EST
Response from local authorities
Statesville City Manager Ron Smith said local, state, and federal agencies were on site following the crash.
“Everybody is here on site at this point, and we anticipate this will be going for quite some time,” Smith noted, underscoring the scale of the investigation.
Dec 18, 2025 at 03:01 PM EST
Statement from Sarasota airport official
Paul L. Hoback Jr., an executive at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, issued a statement expressing condolences after learning the plane was en route to Florida when it crashed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board and with their families and loved ones during this difficult time,” Hoback said, also thanking first responders for their efforts.
Dec 18, 2025 at 02:56 PM EST
FAA records link plane to Biffle
FAA registration records show the Cessna C550 involved in Thursday’s crash carried the tail number N257BW and was owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company tied to Greg Biffle.
Local officials have not yet confirmed the identities of those killed. However, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office said multiple fatalities occurred, and a friend of Biffle confirmed that the former racer and his family were on the plane.
Dec 18, 2025 at 02:50 PM EST
Greg Biffle and family reported onboard
Internet personality Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland, said former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children were on the plane that went down in Statesville.
Mitchell, a longtime friend of Biffle, wrote on Facebook: "Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this."
Dec 18, 2025 at 02:45 PM EST
Crash at Statesville Regional Airport
Several people were killed Thursday morning when a plane crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m., prompting the airport to close while investigators worked at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration said it will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines