A business jet carrying retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six other passengers crashed just minutes after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The aircraft, a Cessna C550, struck light poles and a tree line less than a third of a mile from the runway, igniting a large fire upon impact. All seven people aboard were killed, including Biffle’s wife Cristina and their two children, Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. The crash occurred on Thursday morning in drizzle and cloudy conditions.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board began examining the wreckage on Friday, hoping to uncover why the jet attempted to return to the airport after departure. Flight data indicated the aircraft had left Statesville Regional Airport about 10 minutes earlier, traveling roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte. The pilot’s log shows the plane was registered to a company operated by Biffle. The NTSB is also reviewing the aircraft’s flight path and speed changes during the brief flight.
Flight recorders revealed the Cessna’s speed and altitude fluctuated dramatically before the final descent. At one point, the jet rose from 1,800 feet to 4,000 feet before rapidly descending again. Shortly before impact, the aircraft was only a few hundred feet above ground level. These movements suggest the crew encountered an issue that prompted an urgent return attempt.
The cockpit voice recorder was recovered by investigators and is expected to provide critical clues about the crew’s actions and decisions. However, no emergency radio calls were detected from the jet during the flight, according to NTSB member Michael Graham. Graham stated that investigators had not identified any distress communications at the time of his Friday news conference. The absence of calls has raised questions about the nature of the problem the pilots faced.
Three licensed pilots were aboard the aircraft. Federal Aviation Administration records show that Biffle holds ratings for helicopters, single-engine planes, and multi-engine planes. Dennis Dutton, a pilot and Biffle’s son, was also on board, along with his son Jack, who holds a private pilot’s license for single-engine aircraft, and Biffle’s friend Craig Wadsworth. None of the pilots held a second-in-command rating for the Cessna C550.
John Cox, an aviation safety expert, commented that the crew’s composition raised concerns about qualifications. Cox noted, “There is nobody else that has a second-in-command type rating in the airplane. So there’s a question on the crew.” He emphasized that Dennis Dutton was licensed to fly the model but was required to have a co-pilot aboard. The lack of a qualified second officer may have impacted the crew’s ability to manage the emergency.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB and FAA crash investigator, analyzed the flight data and described the aircraft’s path. Guzzetti said, “The plane’s speed and altitude fluctuated significantly during the brief flight, and its path was consistent with a flight crew that experienced an issue and needed to return quickly.” He added that the rapid ascent and descent pattern indicated a sudden problem. Guzzetti also highlighted that the aircraft was too low to safely land on the runway.
Investigators are also examining why the pilots did not make an emergency call. Cox suggested that the crew may have been preoccupied with controlling the aircraft rather than contacting air traffic control. He also mentioned that the pilots may not have considered the problem an emergency or may have been unaware of available emergency services at the airport. The lack of a radio call remains a key unanswered question.
Greg Biffle, 55, had a distinguished racing career, winning more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits. He secured 19 Cup Series victories, the Trucks Series championship in 2000, and the Xfinity Series title in 2002. Biffle’s accomplishments earned him a place in the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. His legacy extends beyond the track, as he has been active in humanitarian efforts.
In 2024, Biffle was honored for his humanitarian work following Hurricane Helene, during which he used his personal helicopter to deliver aid to flooded, remote areas of western North Carolina. The award recognized his commitment to community service and disaster relief. Biffle’s aviation skills were instrumental in these rescue missions. His dedication to helping others was widely celebrated.
Following the crash, a memorial with flowers sprouted near Biffle’s marble star in Mooresville, his hometown. The memorial honors him as a member of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Residents and fans gathered to pay tribute to the former driver. The memorial became a focal point for mourning and remembrance.
Steve Miller, a friend of Biffle, visited the memorial to pay his respects. Miller recalled an earlier conversation where Biffle expressed a desire to experience a helicopter flight. Miller said, “I told Biffle I hoped the racecar driver could help knock an item off my bucket list – taking a flight in a helicopter.” Biffle’s response was, “Come knock on my door, I’ll take you up,” according to Miller. The anecdote highlighted Biffle’s passion for aviation.
Cessna Citations, including the C550 model that crashed, are known for their reliability and ease of flight. In flight, one pilot controls the aircraft while the other serves as a monitoring pilot, according to Cox. Roughly 1,000 of the 550 series jets have been produced, and the type has a strong safety record. Guzzetti noted that most accidents involving this model are attributed to poor pilot decisions.
The Statesville Regional Airport will remain closed at least through Saturday as the NTSB continues its investigation. Officials said the closure is necessary to allow investigators to safely examine the wreckage and flight data. The airport’s closure will affect local travel and aviation operations. The NTSB’s findings will be released once the investigation is complete.
Investigators are also focusing on the aircraft’s registration and ownership. The plane was registered to a company operated by Biffle, suggesting he had significant involvement in its operation. The NTSB is reviewing whether the company’s operational procedures contributed to the incident. This line of inquiry may reveal additional factors.
Local authorities have confirmed that no other aircraft were involved in the crash. The impact site was located near the runway threshold, a short distance from the airport’s main facilities. The fire that erupted upon impact consumed the aircraft’s interior. Firefighters responded promptly to the scene.
Families of the victims have expressed their grief and sought answers from investigators. Cristina Biffle’s mother, speaking to People magazine, recalled receiving a text message from her daughter saying, “We’re in trouble,” before she was silent. The family’s pain underscores the tragedy of the loss. They hope the investigation will provide closure.
Officials have not yet released a definitive cause for the crash. The NTSB’s preliminary findings indicate that the aircraft’s sudden altitude changes and low approach were critical factors. The investigation will consider pilot qualifications, aircraft performance, and environmental conditions. A final report is expected once all data has been analyzed.
Community leaders in Mooresville and the surrounding area have organized vigils to honor Biffle and the other victims. The memorial site has become a gathering place for those mourning the loss. Local businesses have displayed signs to show solidarity. The community’s response reflects the impact of the crash beyond the aviation world.
Until the investigation concludes, the Statesville airport remains closed, and the aviation community watches closely. The tragedy of the Cessna C550 crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of pilot training and emergency preparedness. The NTSB will release its findings when they are ready. The incident has left a lasting imprint on the region and the racing world.
