Statesville, North Carolina — December 18, 2025: In a devastating aviation accident that has shocked both the motorsport world and aviation community, retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife and two children, along with three others, were killed when a Cessna Citation 550 (C550) business jet crashed near Statesville Regional Airport while attempting to return shortly after takeoff. All seven occupants aboard the aircraft perished in the crash.
Accident Overview: What Happened
The private jet, registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company associated with Biffle, departed Statesville Regional Airport at approximately 10:06 a.m. local time for a planned flight to Sarasota, Florida. Minutes after departure, the aircraft turned back toward Statesville and crashed near the runway around 10:15–10:20 a.m. The plane erupted into a large fire upon impact, and no survivors were found.
Cloudy and rainy conditions were reported in the area at the time of the accident, and visibility was reduced, though authorities have not confirmed weather as an official factor. WLOS
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and state law enforcement. Investigators will examine flight data, weather conditions, maintenance history, and all available communication records as part of the probe.
Details of the Incident and Aircraft
The Cessna C550, often referred to as the Citation II or Bravo, depending on variant, is a popular light business jet manufactured by Textron Aviation. Capable of seating up to eight passengers plus crew, it boasts a cruising speed of around 400 knots and a range of over 1,700 nautical miles, making it a staple for executive travel.
Aircraft Details: Cessna Citation 550
The Cessna Citation 550, part of the Citation series by Textron Aviation, is a widely used light business jet known for its reliability, operational efficiency, and corporate travel capabilities.
Key specifications include:
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Seating: Typically 6–8 passengers
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Cruising Speed: ~400 knots
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Range: Approximately 1,500–2,000 nautical miles
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Role: Executive and corporate travel
While the model has a strong safety record, like all aircraft, it requires rigorous maintenance and operational discipline. The ongoing investigation will determine whether mechanical factors, weather, or other variables played a part in this tragedy.
This particular aircraft was registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company owned and managed by Greg Biffle himself, highlighting his personal involvement in aviation beyond his racing career. Witnesses and officials reported that the plane was fully engulfed in flames by the time emergency responders arrived, leaving no survivors.
According to initial reports from the North Carolina Highway Patrol, visual identification confirmed that Biffle and his immediate family boarded the plane before takeoff. The short flight duration—just 14 minutes—has raised questions about factors such as engine failure, pilot error, or adverse weather. However, no official cause has been determined yet. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts impossible.
Victims Identified
All seven occupants on the Cessna C550 were killed. They have been identified as:
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Greg Biffle (55) – Retired NASCAR driver and champion, widely respected for his racing achievements and community work. Wikipedia
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Cristina Grossu Biffle – Wife of Greg Biffle. People.com
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Emma Biffle (14) – Daughter of Greg and Cristina. People.com
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Ryder Biffle (5) – Son of Greg and Cristina. People.com
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Dennis Dutton – Family friend/business associate. AP News
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Jack Dutton – Son of Dennis Dutton. AP News
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Craig Wadsworth – Known in the NASCAR community. AP News
About Greg Biffle: Racing Legend and Aviator
Gregory Jack Biffle was a celebrated figure in American motorsport. Born in Vancouver, Washington, Biffle made his NASCAR debut in the mid-1990s and enjoyed a distinguished career that included:
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19 NASCAR Cup Series wins over 16 seasons. Wikipedia
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2000 Craftsman Truck Series Champion and 2002 Xfinity Series Champion — making him one of the few drivers to win titles in multiple NASCAR national series. Wikipedia
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Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers. Wikipedia
Off the track, Biffle was an accomplished pilot and philanthropist. He frequently used his skills and aircraft in community missions, including disaster relief efforts in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in 2024, earning recognition for his humanitarian work.
A joint statement released by the families described the loss as “unimaginable and profoundly heartbreaking,” emphasising the deep love and community connection the victims shared
Family statements released in the aftermath expressed profound grief, emphasising the victims’ roles as devoted parents, philanthropists, and pillars of their communities. They requested privacy during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Takeaways
The NTSB and FAA investigation into this crash is expected to take several months. Investigators will review:
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Aircraft maintenance records
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Weather conditions at the time of departure
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Pilot experience and actions
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Aircraft flight path and systems data
Such investigations often yield insights that improve aviation safety protocols and help prevent similar accidents. AP News
At Safe Fly Aviation, we stress the importance of:
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Rigorous pre-flight inspections
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Adherence to maintenance schedules
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Using experienced flight crews
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Thorough weather assessments before flight
These practices are especially critical in private aviation, where operational conditions can vary widely compared to commercial operations.
Tributes from Motorsport and Aviation Communities
The news of Biffle’s passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans, fellow drivers, and public figures:
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NASCAR described Biffle as a “beloved champion and friend to many.” The Guardian
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U.S. politicians and community leaders honoured his contributions both in racing and humanitarian efforts. Road & Track
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Popular YouTuber Cleetus McFarland (Garrett Mitchell) shared his heartbreak, noting that the Biffle family was en route to visit him when the crash occurred. Road & Track
Final Thoughts
This tragic accident serves as a sombre reminder of the potential risks involved in private flight operations, even for experienced aviators. Safe Fly Aviation extends its deepest condolences to all the families affected by this loss. Our thoughts are with the NASCAR community, aviation professionals, and friends and fans around the world as the investigation continues and more details emerge.