NASCAR’s Greg Biffle Plane Crashes in North Carolina, Fatalities Confirmed
A private business jet reportedly owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was involved in a fatal aviation accident Thursday morning at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, according to federal and local authorities. Charlotte television station WSOC-TV identified the aircraft as a Cessna C550 that went down during a landing attempt, resulting in confirmed fatalities.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. at the airport, which sits roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that lives were lost in the incident, though officials have not yet released an official count or the identities of those onboard. The Federal Aviation Administration has also acknowledged the crash and is expected to take part in the investigation.
Crash Occurs During Emergency Landing
Witness accounts cited by WSOC-TV describe the aircraft appearing unusually low as it approached the runway. One observer stated the jet was “way too low” prior to impact, while others reported seeing the aircraft make a short loop as if attempting to return to the runway after takeoff. The exact sequence of events leading up to the crash has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
While no official passenger list has been released, social media reports from Iredell FireWire indicated that Biffle, his wife, and son were believed to be among those onboard. Officials have not verified these claims, and law enforcement agencies have not confirmed the identities or conditions of any passengers.
Authorities Investigating Circumstances
Statesville Regional Airport primarily serves corporate aviation traffic and is frequently used by Fortune 500 companies and NASCAR teams. Biffle is known to lease aircraft during the off-season and is also a licensed pilot, though reports indicate he was not flying the aircraft at the time of the crash. In recent years, Biffle has drawn attention for using his aviation skills to assist with rescue and supply efforts during natural disasters, including severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities say additional details will be released as they become available.
UPDATE: Close friend Garrett Mitchell (AKA: Cleetus McFarland) is reporting on social media that Biffle, his wife, and son were among the passengers onboard the flight. Cannot confirm if the daughter was also with them.
UPDATE 2: It has been confirmed by the press that there were no survivors on the flight and that Greg Biffle, wife Christina, son Ryder, daughter Emma, and three others onboard perished.
