The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the Cessna Citation 550 that crashed near Statesville Regional Airport, killing seven people including Greg Biffle and members of his family. Investigators still cannot confirm who was piloting the aircraft; three occupants held pilot certificates but roles are unverified. Witnesses said the plane approached very low, and officials are examining weather conditions—low ceilings and heavy drizzle—alongside pilot and aircraft factors. The aircraft had been airborne for roughly 10 minutes before attempting to return and striking runway fixtures about 1,800 feet from the threshold.
NTSB Recovers Cockpit Recorder but Cannot Confirm Who Was at the Controls in Greg Biffle Plane Crash
James Gilbert/GettyGreg Biffle
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the twin‑engine Cessna Citation 550 that crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, killing seven people including NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle and two children. Authorities, however, still cannot verify which occupant was piloting the aircraft when it went down.
What Officials Have Said
At a National Transportation Safety Board briefing on Friday, NTSB Member Michael Graham confirmed recovery of the cockpit voice recorder and said investigators are still working to determine who was at the controls. He noted that three occupants held pilot certificates, but their roles during the flight have not yet been verified.
Greg Biffle/InstagramGreg Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle, and their children Ryder and Emma
At this time, we have been unable to verify who was flying the airplane. We do know three of the occupants did possess a pilot's license, but we have been unable to verify that at this time, and that is one of the things we're working on.
Flight, Weather and Wreckage Details
The FAA confirmed the crash occurred at about 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 18. The aircraft was airborne for approximately 10 minutes between takeoff and its attempt to return to the airport. Witnesses reported the airplane appeared to be flying very low on approach.
Graham described the initial impact location as a runway light stanchion roughly 1,800 feet from the runway threshold. The airplane then struck trees, two additional runway light stanchions and the airport perimeter fence before coming to rest near the runway threshold. A post‑impact fire consumed much of the fuselage and inboard wing sections.
Greg Biffle/InstagramGreg Biffle and wife Cristina Biffle
The NTSB confirmed that both engines and the major flight control surfaces were located in the debris field. Investigators will analyze the recovered cockpit voice recorder, inspect the wreckage, interview witnesses and review weather and human factors as part of a comprehensive investigation.
Weather and Operational Factors Under Review
The flight was conducted under visual flight rules, but conditions included low ceilings and heavy drizzle at the time of the attempted return. Graham emphasized that investigators will examine three broad categories: the people operating the aircraft, the aircraft itself, and the environment, including weather.
Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via GettyThe flight path of Greg Biffle's plane
Victims and Family Statements
Among those killed were commercial pilot Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, who was studying aviation at Auburn University. The families of the victims — including the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families — released a joint statement expressing devastation and remembering Greg and Cristina as devoted parents and active philanthropists. They paid tribute to Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, and to others on board, including Craig Wadsworth, who was beloved in the NASCAR community.
The group had been traveling to Sarasota, Florida, for a birthday trip ahead of Biffle's 56th birthday.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Authorities will continue forensic examination of the cockpit voice recorder, technical review of the airframe and engines, toxicology and medical records as appropriate, and witness interviews. No probable cause has been determined at this time.
