The Cessna C550 registered to a company tied to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport on Dec. 18 at about 10:20 a.m. FAA and local officials confirmed multiple fatalities but have not released victim identities or numbers. The NTSB will lead the investigation; witnesses reported the jet was flying unusually low and local fog forced a news helicopter to abort its approach. Authorities say all possible factors are being examined and updates will be provided as the probe progresses.
Plane Registered to Former NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle Crashes at North Carolina Airport; Fatalities Confirmed
Jared Tilton/SRX/GettyGreg Biffle on June 25, 2022
A small jet registered to a company tied to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on Thursday, Dec. 18, authorities said.
Crash Details
The Federal Aviation Administration told PEOPLE that a Cessna C550 came down at about 10:20 a.m. local time. Local officials and the Associated Press confirmed that the crash resulted in multiple fatalities. Authorities have not released the number of victims or identified those on board.
Ownership And Registry
Public records and local reporting indicate the aircraft is registered to GB Aviation Leasing, a company listed to Greg Biffle, 55. Local outlets WSOC and Fox 8 reported that the business address on file for GB Aviation matches Biffle's residential address.
Chris Graythen/GettyGreg Biffle on Feb. 19, 2022 in Florida
Witness Accounts And Conditions
A witness near Lakewood Golf Club told WSOC they observed the plane flying "way too low" moments before it went down.
WSOC also reported that its news helicopter aborted its approach to the airport because fog and inclement weather reduced visibility to about five miles. The station noted that, so far, there is no public indication the weather directly caused the crash.
Investigation Under Way
The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the on-scene investigation and provide updates as they become available. Investigators typically examine mechanical condition, pilot actions, maintenance records and environmental factors before drawing conclusions. Officials urged patience as they gather evidence and interview witnesses.
About Greg Biffle
Biffle began his NASCAR career in 1995. He is one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series, earning the 2001 Busch Series Rookie of the Year honor and the 2002 Busch Series championship. He recorded 19 NASCAR race wins between 2003 and 2016. Off the track, Biffle married Cristina Grossu in 2023; the couple has a young son, Ryder. Biffle also has a daughter, Emma, from his previous marriage.
As investigators continue their work, officials will release additional information about casualties, the sequence of events and any contributing factors when available.
