By Gloria Ogbonna
A devastating aviation accident claimed the lives of seven people Thursday morning when a small jet crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred shortly after 10:15 a.m., sending shockwaves through the local community and the wider NASCAR world.
Chief Deputy Bill Hamby confirmed that the aircraft went down during its landing approach. Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane was a Cessna C550 owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a North Carolina–based limited liability company. State business filings list former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle as the manager of the company, immediately raising concerns about whether he was among those on board.
As the news spread, a joint statement was released by the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton, and Lunders families, expressing profound grief over the loss of their loved ones.
The families described the tragedy as heartbreaking beyond words, noting that Greg Biffle and his wife Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives revolved around their children.
Their young son Ryder was remembered as an energetic, curious, and endlessly joyful child, while Greg’s daughter Emma, whose mother is Nicole Lunders, was described as a kind-hearted and deeply loved young woman.
The statement also paid tribute to Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, as well as Craig Wadsworth, who was well known and cherished within the NASCAR community. “Each of them meant everything to us,” the families said, adding that their absence leaves an immeasurable void.
They asked for privacy and compassion as they begin the painful process of grieving, while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support during what they described as an unimaginable loss.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Governor Josh Stein later indicated that Greg Biffle is believed to have been killed in the crash. During a news conference, an NCSHP spokesperson said formal medical examiner notifications were still pending, but authorities on the ground visually confirmed that Biffle had boarded the aircraft before takeoff.
Governor Stein reacted publicly on X, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” He wrote that beyond his success on the racetrack, Biffle lived a life marked by courage and compassion, particularly highlighting his efforts to help western North Carolina communities following Hurricane Helene. “My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash,” the governor said.
The FAA confirmed that the Cessna C550 crashed around 10:20 a.m. local time as it attempted to return to the runway.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead and expected to provide updates as more information becomes available. An airport spokesperson told ABC News that the aircraft appeared to be trying to circle back when the crash occurred.
NASCAR released an emotional statement mourning the loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton. The organization described Biffle as far more than a champion driver, calling him a beloved member of the NASCAR family, a fierce competitor, and a friend to many.
NASCAR highlighted his championship victories in the Xfinity Series and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as his achievements in the Cup Series, while emphasizing that his legacy extended well beyond racing.
According to NASCAR, Biffle devoted countless hours to humanitarian efforts, particularly during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, when he flew numerous rescue missions to help save lives in hard-hit areas of North Carolina.
U.S. Representative Richard Hudson also shared his grief publicly, confirming that Biffle and his family were on board the aircraft. In his post, Hudson described the Biffles as friends who lived lives focused on helping others.
While acknowledging Biffle’s accomplishments as a NASCAR champion, Hudson emphasized that he would be remembered just as much for his service and generosity, including flying hundreds of rescue missions after the hurricane.
Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, is an uncontrolled airport without a control tower. Pilots operating there are required to announce their positions using a shared radio frequency.
Weather conditions reported roughly 80 minutes after the crash included low clouds, light rain, and visibility of less than three miles, though officials have not confirmed whether those conditions were present at the exact time of the accident.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, communities across North Carolina and the NASCAR world continue to mourn the loss of seven lives, remembering not only their achievements, but the compassion, family devotion, and service that defined them.
Source: ABC7
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