A private business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina Thursday morning, killing multiple people and thrusting the motorsports world into shock.
The scene was chaotic: emergency crews flooded the runway, smoke and fire still rising from wreckage strewn at the end of the tarmac. Officials declined early confirmation of identities, but reports from close associates and family say Biffle, his wife, and their children were among those aboard. This account has not yet been confirmed by law enforcement. People.com
The Cessna Citation 550 (Cessna C550) departed Statesville Regional Airport in the late morning and attempted to return and land minutes later. According to aviation tracking records, the jet lifted off but soon turned back toward the runway before crashing near the end of the approach. Wreckage caught fire on impact, and the airport was shut down as first responders secured the site. Lootpress+1
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a plane crash in North Carolina involving this aircraft occurred around 10:15 a.m. local time in foggy conditions that had reduced visibility in the area. Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple deaths at the scene but has withheld specifics pending next of kin notifications and identification. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been dispatched to lead the official investigation. AP News
Public records show the jet, tail number N257BW, is owned through GB Aviation Leasing LLC, an entity linked to Biffle. The FAA’s initial statement did not clarify whether Biffle himself, his wife Cristina, or his two children were among those onboard. Friends close to the family, including NASCAR personality Garrett Mitchell (known online as Cleetus McFarland), have publicly said the family was aboard and killed in the crash, though authorities have not confirmed these details. People.com
This tragedy immediately rippled through the NASCAR community and beyond. Biffle, 55, is one of the most respected drivers of his generation, with 19 national series wins and championships in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck and Busch Series. He retired from full-time competition in the mid-2010s but remained an active personality in racing circles and aviation. Wikipedia
For locals around Statesville, NC, the impact was abrupt and visceral. The airport, a hub for general and corporate aviation—including teams and sponsors tied to stock car racing—closed operations pending debris removal and safety assessments. Nearby residents reported hearing the crash and seeing the plume of smoke from miles away. WUNC
The broader aviation community is also watching closely. Cessna C550s are widely used as corporate jets; losing one in a plane crash North Carolina underscores ongoing safety challenges in general aviation. Weather conditions at the time, while not extreme, included fog and drizzle that can complicate instrument approaches at uncontrolled fields like Statesville Regional Airport. AP News
Who Was Affected
• Greg Biffle and his family – Early reports from insiders say Biffle, his wife, and children were aboard. Identifications have not been publicly confirmed by law enforcement. People.com
• Local first responders – Firefighters, EMS, and sheriffs were on scene within minutes, confronting a large, burning wreck. AP News
• Statesville Regional Airport – Operations are suspended as cleanup continues and debris clears the runway. WUNC
• NASCAR and motor sports ecosystem – A community grappling with potential loss of one of its iconic figures. People.com
• General aviation pilots and safety analysts – Re-examining approaches under marginal weather and emergency procedures at non-towered fields. Lootpress
What This Means Now
Authorities are focused on piecing together the final moments of the flight. The FAA and NTSB typically analyze flight data, maintenance records, weather, and pilot communications. At this stage, there is no indication of mechanical failure or pilot error, and investigations are expected to take months before preliminary reports are released. AP News
The absence of confirmed passenger manifests complicates early reporting. While friends and acquaintances have made public claims about Biffle and his family, investigators are not releasing identities until official procedures are complete. People.com
For the community around Statesville and broader NASCAR fans, the emotional toll is immediate. Biffle was not just a former champion; he maintained close ties to the sport and many of its current drivers and personalities. Wikipedia
There are further unanswered questions:
• Was the aircraft carrying any additional passengers or crew?
• What were the exact weather conditions at the precise point of approach?
• Did the aircraft experience anomalies that prompted the aborted flight and return?
• How will the FAA/NTSB frame preliminary findings in the coming days?
Answers will shape not just the official record but also how pilots and operators adjust risk assessments in similar conditions.
Visual Element Concept
Timeline Graphic: A horizontal timeline showing key moments:
• 10:06 a.m. – Cessna C550 departs Statesville Regional Airport.
• 10:10 a.m. – Flight tracking shows a return toward the airport.
• 10:15 a.m. – Aircraft crashes near runway approach.
• 10:20 to Noon – First responders arrive, airport secures perimeter; FAA informed.
This graphic helps readers visualize sequence and proximity in time of critical events. It ties weather reports, flight movements, and emergency responses together to clarify the cadence of a rapidly evolving crisis. Detailed timestamps will help both aviation-minded readers and the general public understand the crash’s context and complexity.
In reporting this event, clarity over speculation is critical. Multiple media sources are confirming the basic facts of the crash, the aircraft type, and ownership ties to Greg Biffle. Authorities have confirmed fatalities but are withholding names and details pending next of kin notifications. Official investigations are underway, with FAA and NTSB leading the efforts. Reuters
The implications stretch from the Biffle family’s inner circle across the NASCAR world and into broader conversations about aviation safety in private general aviation. As the investigation continues, verified updates from law enforcement and federal agencies will be the basis for understanding what happened and why. WUNC
FAQs
What happened in the Greg Biffle plane crash?
A Cessna C550 business jet crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. Multiple fatalities were reported. AP News
Was Greg Biffle killed in the crash?
Early reports from family friends say Biffle and his family were aboard and killed, but officials have not confirmed identities. People.com
What type of plane was involved?
The aircraft was a Cessna Citation 550 business jet. AP News
Where did the crash occur?
At Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County, North Carolina. Reuters
When did it happen?
Around 10:15 a.m. local time on December 18, 2025. AP News
Who owns the plane?
Public records show the plane was registered to GB Aviation Leasing, linked to Greg Biffle. WRAL News
Are investigators on the scene?
Yes. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. AP News
Is there a confirmed cause?
No. Investigators have not released a cause. Reuters
Were any survivors reported?
Authorities have not reported survivors. Multiple fatalities were confirmed. AP News
Will more information be released?
Yes, officials are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses. WUNC
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