Private jet crash in North Carolina kills seven including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family Photo by Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images
STATESVILLE, North Carolina (Epicstorian News) — Seven people died on December 18 , 2025, when a private business jet crashed while returning to Statesville Regional Airport, local and federal officials said.
The aircraft, a Cessna 550 mid‑size business jet, was attempting to land shortly after take‑off when it impacted terrain near the airport runway and erupted into fire, authorities reported. The bodies of all seven occupants were recovered at the scene by emergency responders.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed early identification of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle among the deceased, though full formal identification awaited medical examiner reports due to post‑crash fire damage, state officials said. The other victims included Biffle’s wife, two children and three additional adults who were also aboard the aircraft.
Jet Crash in North Carolina Claims Multiple Lives
The Cessna Citation 550 departed Statesville Regional Airport around 10:06 a.m. local time on a flight that was planned to travel to Sarasota, Florida, according to flight tracking records reviewed by investigators. Shortly after take‑off, the jet made a sharp turn and attempted to return to the airport before crashing.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records show the plane was registered to a company managed by Biffle. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the crash, but officials stressed that it may take months or longer to determine contributory factors.
Flight data indicates the aircraft climbed only briefly before initiating its return to the airport and did not exceed an altitude of around 2,000 feet before descending back toward the runway. Visibility and cloud ceilings reportedly deteriorated in the minutes before the crash, with weather reports showing drizzle and low cloud cover at the time of the incident.
Identities of Victims and Family Statements
Among the dead was Greg Biffle, 55, a retired NASCAR driver widely recognized within motorsport for more than two decades of competition. He was a 19‑race winner in the top NASCAR Cup Series and had also achieved championships in the NASCAR Truck and Busch (now Xfinity) Series.
Biffle retired from full‑time racing but remained active in the racing community and philanthropic efforts, often supporting charitable initiatives in North Carolina.
Biffle’s wife, Cristina, and their two children, aged 14 and 5, were also killed in the crash, according to officials and family representatives. Three other adults were on board, identified by family statements as close associates of the Biffle family. Emergency responders recovered all victims at the scene following the fiery impact.
A joint family statement released after the crash described the profound loss. Families said that each person on board “meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.” They asked for privacy as they grieved and made arrangements to honor and remember their loved ones.
NASCAR and Community Responses
NASCAR issued its own statement following confirmation of Biffle’s death, describing him as a “beloved member of the NASCAR community” whose passion for racing and impact on the sport would be remembered. Motorsport teams, fans and former competitors expressed condolences for the family and the broader community affected by the tragedy.
Local and national leaders also reacted to the crash. A representative from North Carolina shared sentiments of sorrow for the victims and highlighted Biffle’s contributions both on and off the track. Officials noted the abrupt nature of the event and the heavy sense of loss felt by many who knew the family.
Weather and Operational Conditions at Crash Site
Weather reports from meteorological services indicated that drizzle and low cloud ceilings were present in the Statesville area around the time the jet returned toward the airport. The worsening conditions included limited horizontal visibility and marginal ceilings that may have moved conditions into instrument flight rules categories, although investigators have not tied weather directly to the crash.
Statesville Regional Airport is a smaller General Aviation facility without a control tower. Pilots typically rely on self‑reporting and common traffic advisory frequencies for coordination during take‑off and landing. Airport officials reported that the runway was obstructed by debris from the crash, necessitating closure while emergency crews cleared the area and secured the site for investigative activity.
Airport Director statements noted that clearing debris and making the runway safe again would take considerable time, extending operational suspension at the facility as responders worked through afternoon and early evening hours following the accident.
Ongoing Federal Investigation into Cause of Crash
The FAA and NTSB have dispatched teams to the crash site to gather evidence, examine wreckage and review flight path data. Early phases of the investigation include examining aircraft systems, engines, controls and any recorded data available from onboard instruments, as well as weather and air traffic information from the time of the event.
An NTSB spokesperson said it was too early to speculate about probable cause, and emphasised that formal findings will be based on detailed analysis once evidence collection and reconstruction assessments are completed. The board is expected to provide periodic updates and to hold a public briefing when initial key findings are available.
Federal regulators also intend to interview witnesses, review pilot qualifications and maintenance records, and evaluate how meteorological conditions may have influenced the aircraft’s performance and crew decisions leading up to the impact.
Legacy and Broader Aviation Safety
Greg Biffle’s death alongside his family and associates in the crash marks one of the most high‑profile aviation accidents in the United States in 2025. The incident follows other notable aviation tragedies this year that have drawn scrutiny on safety protocols and investigative methods in complex environments.
Federal safety boards and aviation authorities continue to analyse these events to improve understanding and prevent future occurrences.
Biffle, known for his racing achievements and humanitarian work, including relief missions after severe weather events in North Carolina, was widely respected by peers and fans.
His passing has triggered tributes from across the motorsports world and beyond, reflecting on a career that spanned decades and touched many within the racing and broader communities.
As investigators progress with their inquiry in Statesville, authorities are urging continued patience from the public and media while they work through exhaustive technical analysis.
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Findings from the investigation will inform future safety recommendations and contribute to ongoing efforts to understand how best to enhance aviation safety for private aircraft operators and passengers worldwide.
