A Cessna 550 private jet crashed on December 18, 2025, near Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, resulting in seven confirmed fatalities. The aircraft, a business jet registered to an entity linked to retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, erupted into flames shortly after attempting to return and land following takeoff in cloudy, drizzly weather. Authorities reported that the crash occurred around 10:15 a.m., and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Among those killed were Greg Biffle (55), his wife Cristina, and their two children, 14‑year‑old daughter Emma and 5‑year‑old son Ryder. The other victims included Craig Wadsworth and aviation pilots Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton. The NTSB and state officials confirmed that all seven aboard perished in the crash and subsequent fire.
Flight data and eyewitness accounts suggest the jet took off shortly after 10 a.m. en route to Florida but encountered trouble soon afterward and attempted to return to the airport. The aircraft made maneuvering turns back toward the runway but crashed short of landing, colliding with airport lights and trees before bursting into intense flames. Weather conditions at the time included low cloud ceilings and light rain, which investigators are examining as a possible factor.
The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder, and investigators are working to determine both the cause of the accident and who was piloting the aircraft at the time. Although Biffle held pilot certifications and two other licensed pilots were aboard, it has not yet been confirmed exactly who was flying the aircraft during its final moments.
Greg Biffle was a prominent figure in NASCAR, with a career that included championships in the Truck Series and Xfinity Series, 19 wins in the Cup Series, and recognition as one of the sport’s most respected drivers. Beyond racing, he was known for his humanitarian efforts, including using his private aircraft and helicopter to assist with disaster relief after events like Hurricane Helene. The news of his death, along with that of his family and friends, has sent shockwaves through the motorsports community and beyond.
In the wake of the crash, the Statesville airport was closed as debris was cleared and the crash site secured for investigation. Officials emphasized that the NTSB and FAA will conduct detailed examinations of wreckage, flight data, weather conditions, and pilot records to determine what led to the tragedy. Statements from loved ones and community members have highlighted both the devastation of the loss and the profound impact the victims had on those around them.
