A business jet carrying former NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family crashed at Statesville Regional Airport Thursday, killing all seven aboard.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation registered to a company run by Biffle, exploded into a large fire when it struck the ground during an attempted landing at 10:15 a.m. The plane had taken off from the same airport about five minutes earlier and was bound for Sarasota, Florida.
Crash Details
State police confirmed that the jet erupted into a fire upon impact, preventing a definitive list of occupants from being released. They believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were on board.
The crash occurred on the airport’s runway, and the Statesville airport was closed until further notice, airport director John Ferguson said Thursday.
AccuWeather reported drizzle and clouds at the time of the incident.
Golfers playing at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club were shocked by the disaster, with one saying, “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,'” Joshua Green of Mooresville recalled.
Victims
Biffle, 55, was traveling with his wife Cristina, and their children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. Other passengers included Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
A family statement read: “Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
Statements from NASCAR and Officials
NASCAR issued a statement saying, “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.” The organization added, “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.”
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) 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.”
Hudson continued: “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.”
Rep. Addison McDowell (R-N.C.) also offered condolences on X: “Please join Rachel and me in praying for the family, friends, and all those grieving the loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children. Greg was known not only for his success on the track but for the generosity and impact he and his family had in their community.”
YouTube personality Garrett Mitchell, a friend of Biffle’s, 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.”
Investigation Details
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the investigation alongside the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. A representative for the Federal Aviation Administration told Nexstar that the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating.
The official website of the Statesville airport states that the facility “provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.”
The cause of the plane crash remains under investigation.
Greg Biffle’s Racing Legacy
Biffle, known to fans as “The Biff,” began his racing career on short tracks in the Pacific Northwest, according to his biography at Roush Racing. He won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
He was named Rookie of the Year in the Craftsman Truck Series in 1998 and in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2001. Biffle was announced as one of NASCAR’s nominees for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, though he was ultimately not selected. He was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2025.
NASCAR currently considers Biffle one of the 75 Greatest Drivers in its history.
Humanitarian Efforts
Biffle, 55, also piloted helicopter missions during Hurricane Helene, helping to bring supplies to victims and evacuate families from some of the hardest-hit areas. Earlier this year he announced that he was coordinating efforts to transport resources to victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Motorsport.com reported.
Key Takeaways
- Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, children Ryder and Emma, Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth died in a business jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport.
- The Cessna Citation, registered to a Biffle-run company, exploded into a fire during an attempted landing and was bound for Sarasota, Florida.
- Investigations are underway by the FAA, NTSB, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The tragic loss of a celebrated racer, family man, and humanitarian has left a profound impact on the NASCAR community and beyond. The investigation continues as authorities seek answers about the cause of the crash.
