Tragic Private Jet Crash in North Carolina Claims Seven Lives

Fri Dec 19 2025 11:55:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating private jet crash at Statesville Regional Airport has left seven individuals dead, including NASCAR icon Greg Biffle and three family members. Investigators are still determining the cause of the incident.

On Thursday, a private jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, resulting in seven fatalities. Among the deceased was renowned NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife, son, and daughter. The aircraft, a Cessna C550, was reportedly en route to Florida and the Bahamas. Investigative efforts are ongoing as officials look into the cause of the crash, which occurred during inclement weather conditions.

A private jet crashed at a regional North Carolina airport and erupted into flames Thursday, killing seven people, including retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle and three members of his family.

Here are some details regarding the tragic incident.

What occurred?

The aircraft took off Thursday morning from Statesville Regional Airport, situated about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Charlotte. Shortly after departing, it attempted to return to the airport but tragically crashed during landing, as indicated by tracking data from FlightAware.com.

Footage from WSOC-TV captured first responders rushing to the scene, where flames engulfed scattered wreckage.

Initial investigations have not determined the cause of the crash, although weather reports indicated drizzle and cloud coverage at that time, according to AccuWeather.

Statesville Regional Airport is known for providing facilities for corporate aviation, catering to many Fortune 500 companies alongside several NASCAR teams.

Who were the victims?

A joint statement by the families of the victims announced that there were seven people on board, including Greg Biffle; his wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle; their son, Ryder; and Greg's daughter, Emma. The other identified victims were Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Dutton’s son Jack, all widely admired within the NASCAR community.

The statement expressed profound sorrow over the loss: Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives. Biffle, 55, had a remarkable career with over 50 NASCAR wins across all three circuits, including 19 Cup Series victories. He was a two-time champion in both the Truck and Xfinity Series—marking a historic achievement in the sport.

Wadsworth was a cherished friend to Biffle and had played a significant role behind the scenes with various NASCAR teams. His contributions included delivering supplies to hurricane-affected areas the previous year, as noted by his roommate, Benito Howell.

Biffle’s tragic passing places him among a sorrowful list of athletes who lost their lives in similar crashes.

Details about the aircraft

The jet, a Cessna C550, is a widely used mid-sized business aircraft known for its excellent safety record, according to aviation expert Jeff Guzzetti. Flight records indicate the plane was owned by a company affiliated with Greg Biffle.

Originally, the aircraft was slated to fly to Sarasota, Florida, followed by a trip to Treasure Cay airport in the Bahamas before its return journey.

Biffle’s plane was manufactured in 1981 and is estimated to have a value ranging from $1 million to $10 million, based on its features. The Cessna 550 typically accommodates six to eight passengers and has dual engines.