STATESVILLE, N.C. — A tragic plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport claimed the lives of seven individuals on Thursday morning, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family. The North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the fatalities, revealing that Biffle’s wife and children were also onboard the ill-fated flight.
The crash occurred just after 10:20 a.m. when a Cessna C550 Citation, which was en route to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, lost altitude shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggle before it went down. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is expected to release the names of the victims once confirmed by the medical examiner’s office.
Statesville Regional Airport reported that an “aircraft incident” took place at approximately 10:15 a.m. Following the accident, officials from the airport announced the closure of operations until further notice. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has dispatched investigators to the scene to assess the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Preliminary flight data indicate that the jet departed at around 10:06 a.m. The aircraft reached its maximum altitude of approximately 4,300 feet just two minutes after takeoff. However, about a mile from the airport, it began to descend sharply. Approximately nine minutes into the flight and less than a half-mile from the runway, the plane was reportedly at about 800 feet and traveling at 95 knots.
Investigators revealed that the plane, registered to GB Aviation Leasing—a company owned by Biffle—was built in 1981 and had passed its last flight certification in March of this year. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading an investigation, arriving at the airport later Thursday. A news conference is planned for Friday to provide updates on their findings.
Members of the NASCAR community and local officials expressed their condolences as news of the crash spread. Congressman Richard Hudson, among many others, mourned the loss of Biffle and his family, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the racing community.
The Statesville Regional Airport, known for serving corporate aviation needs for various businesses and NASCAR teams, is situated along major highways I-40 and I-77. With the airport currently closed, authorities are focusing on the investigation and ensuring the area is safe.
As investigations continue, no further details have been made available to the public regarding the crash’s circumstances or the victims.