Seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, were killed Thursday in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport, North Carolina, NASCAR confirmed.
The business jet, a Cessna 550, was bound for Florida but attempted to return to the airport shortly after takeoff due to severe weather. The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m., according to airplane tracking site FlightAware.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol said Biffle and members of his immediate family are believed to be among the victims. A formal confirmation is pending due to a severe post-crash fire. The plane was registered to a company linked to Biffle. Officials will release the full list of seven occupants after the medical examiner completes the investigation.
Photos and videos shared by local media and social platforms show a large fire amid the wreckage on the runway. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a go-team to investigate the plane crash and will provide updates to the media on Friday.
Greg Biffle, 55, won 19 Cup Series races over a 20-year career and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. His last race was the 2022 Geico 500 at Talladega. Biffle was widely respected both on and off the track.
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis eulogized Biffle, saying, “Greg was a titan in the NASCAR community. After Helene devastated Western North Carolina, he used his personal helicopter to rescue victims and provide crucial aid.”
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The airport remains closed as authorities work to remove debris from the runway. Officials emphasized that the area will remain off-limits until it is safe for reopening. The plane crash is under active investigation, and officials urge the public to await official reports before speculating on the cause.
