Authorities in North Carolina believe retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family are among seven people killed in a tragic plane crash at a regional airport on Thursday.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident involved a Cessna C550 business jet which had departed from Statesville Regional Airport, located roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte. The flight, bound for Florida, took off shortly after 10am local time (3pm UK time) on Thursday 18 December 2025.
According to available flight tracking data, the aircraft subsequently returned to the airport and was in the process of attempting to land when the crash occurred. Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell confirmed there were fatalities at the scene, though he did not provide further specific details initially.
Emergency Response and Airport Closure
Footage from local broadcaster WSOC-TV showed emergency crews rushing onto the runway where flames were visible near the wreckage. Firefighting teams responded swiftly to the scene.
Airport director John Ferguson announced the immediate closure of the facility following the crash. "The airport now is closed until further notice," Ferguson stated. "It will take some time to get the debris off the runway."
Statesville Regional Airport's website highlights that it provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR racing teams, underscoring its connection to the motorsport community.
Investigation Launched
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. This is standard procedure for significant aviation accidents in the United States.
The news has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond, as fans and colleagues mourn the potential loss of the celebrated driver and his family.
