Federal investigators have begun the painstaking task of examining the wreckage of a private jet that crashed in North Carolina, claiming the lives of all seven people on board, including retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle and his immediate family.
The Fatal Flight and Immediate Aftermath
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The Cessna C550 business jet, bound for Florida, had departed from Statesville Regional Airport, located roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft attempted to return to the airport but crashed, erupting into a large fire upon impact. The incident occurred in drizzle and cloudy conditions, though the precise reason for the attempted return is not yet known.
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware.com, the plane took off just after 10 a.m. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed the devastating outcome: there were no survivors.
The victims were identified as 55-year-old Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children—14-year-old Emma and 5-year-old Ryder—along with family friends Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. Flight records indicate the aircraft was registered to a company operated by Biffle himself, a licensed pilot rated for helicopters and both single and multi-engine planes. It remains unclear if he was at the controls during the fatal flight.
A Racing Legend and Humanitarian Lost
The news sent shockwaves through the motorsport community and beyond. Greg Biffle was a formidable and beloved figure in NASCAR, amassing over 50 wins across its top three series. His career highlights included 19 victories in the premier Cup Series, as well as championship titles in the Trucks Series (2000) and the Xfinity Series (2002).
In an official statement, NASCAR mourned the loss, describing Biffle as "a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many." The organisation added that his passion, integrity, and commitment had left a lasting impact on the sport.
Beyond the racetrack, Biffle was recognised for his humanitarian efforts. In 2024, he was honoured for using his personal helicopter to deliver aid to remote areas of western North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) recalled a recent conversation with Cristina Biffle about aiding relief efforts in Jamaica, stating, "That’s who the Biffles were."
Craig Wadsworth, also killed in the crash, was remembered by his roommate as a generous man who had worked for several NASCAR teams and helped Biffle with relief missions. "He didn’t know how to say no," Benito Howell said. "He loved everybody. He always tried to help everybody."
Investigation Underway and Witness Accounts
A team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived in North Carolina on Thursday to lead the investigation, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also involved. They will scrutinise the wreckage of the 1981-built Cessna Citation, a model described by aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti as a popular and reputable mid-sized business jet.
The crash was witnessed by horrified golfers at the adjacent Lakewood Golf Club. Joshua Green of Mooresville described the plane flying alarmingly low overhead. "We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’" he said. "It was scary." Debris from the crash scattered across the course's ninth hole.
The families of the victims issued a joint statement expressing profound grief: "Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives." The statement also paid tribute to Dennis and Jack Dutton, saying they were "deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them."
This crash adds to a grim annual tally for U.S. aviation. With 2025 nearly over, the NTSB has investigated 1,331 crashes this year, ranging from small planes to commercial aircraft. This follows a total of 1,482 in 2024. The year has seen several major air disasters globally, including fatal collisions in Washington state and India.
