STATESVILLE, N.C. — A private jet registered to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashes and burst into flames Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities, according to local authorities.
The Cessna C550 Citation II business jet went down around 10:15 a.m. local time while attempting an emergency landing at the airport, located approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed multiple deaths, though the exact number of fatalities has not been officially released.
Details of the Greg Biffle Crashes Incident
Federal Aviation Administration records show the aircraft, tail number N257BW, is registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a limited liability company managed by the retired NASCAR star. The FAA told CBS News that six people were aboard the plane.
Flight tracking data reveals the aircraft departed from Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:06 a.m. before quickly attempting to return for an emergency landing just minutes later. The cause of the emergency return remains under investigation.
A witness from nearby Lakewood Golf Club stated the plane appeared to be flying too low before a massive explosion occurred. Images from the scene show the aircraft engulfed in flames on the runway.
Weather Conditions Under Investigation
Weather may have played a role in the tragedy. Low clouds, light rain, and visibility of less than three miles were reported about 80 minutes after the crash, according to automated weather station data. However, officials have not confirmed whether these conditions were present at the time of impact or contributed to the accident.
Fog was present at the crash site, limiting visibility to about 5 miles, though its role in the incident remains unclear as the investigation continues.
About Greg Biffle
Greg Biffle enjoyed a successful 20-year NASCAR career, capturing 19 Cup Series race victories. The 55-year-old driver became a household name in motorsports and, like many NASCAR legends, made his home in nearby Mooresville, North Carolina—known as “Race City USA.”
More recently, Biffle gained recognition for his humanitarian efforts. During Hurricane Helene last fall, he used his private helicopter to deliver essential supplies, food, and water to those stranded by the devastating storm.
Multiple reports indicate Biffle may have been aboard the aircraft with his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, though authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of those on board. The couple married in January 2023 and share a son, Ryder Jack, born in 2020.
Federal Investigation Underway
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide updates, according to the FAA.
Statesville City Manager Ron Smith confirmed that the response involves a multi-agency effort, with city, county, state, and federal authorities all on scene. The airport, which is city-owned, provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, according to the city’s website.
Statesville Regional Airport is an uncontrolled airport with no control tower, a detail that may factor into the ongoing investigation.
As the community awaits official word on the victims and cause of this devastating Greg Biffle crashes incident, the motorsports world mourns the potential loss of one of its most respected figures and continues to honor his legacy both on and off the track.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.