UPDATE 7: Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board departed Washington Dulles Airport at about 5:30 p.m. ET Thursday and are en route to North Carolina to begin their investigation of Thursday’s accident involving a Cessna 550 airplane that crashed on return to landing following departure from Statesville Regional Airport.
The NTSB is leading the investigation of the crash, which occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m.
NTSB Member Michael Graham is expected to hold an initial media briefing on the investigation on Friday. Details on location and time will be posted Friday morning on Twitter @NTSB_Newsroom.
The NTSB team of 16 includes those with expertise in the following areas:
- Systems
- Recorders
- Powerplants
- Drones
- Family assistance
The investigation is also being supported in Washington by specialists in operations, air traffic control and meteorology.
The team is led by Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker. Mr. Baker has more than 25 years experience investigating aviation accidents. NTSB investigators expect to be on scene in North Carolina for about a week.
An NTSB investigation looks not only at what occurred but why and proposes recommendations to prevent future similar tragedies.
The NTSB has no role in the release of the identities of accident victims and/or the extent and number of injuries, nor does it release the identities of those injured or killed; that’s handled by local authorities.
— NTSB —
UPDATE 6: RFK Racing Statement:
RFK RACING STATEMENT REGARDING THE BIFFLE FAMILY
All of us at RFK Racing are devastated by the heartbreaking news involving the Biffle family. Greg Biffle has long been a cherished member of our racing family. As a person, family man and driver, his accomplishments helped form a cornerstone of our organization. We extend our deepest condolences to the Biffle family and to all of their loved ones and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
STATEMENT FROM RFK RACING FOUNDER JACK ROUSH REGARDING THE BIFFLE FAMILY
The entire Charlotte sports community has suffered a tremendous loss. The tragic accident involving Greg Biffle and his family today is incredibly heartbreaking. l have lost a dear friend and partner in our NASCAR program. His contributions to our race team over the years are immeasurable. My condolences are with all those who loved and knew Greg and his family.
STATEMENT FROM RFK RACING CO-OWNER BRAD KESELOWSKI REGARDING THE BIFFLE FAMILY
I am heartbroken by the news involving the Biffle family. I had the privilege of racing alongside Greg for many years, and like so many in our sport, I gained deep respect for him not only as a champion on the racetrack, but as a competitor who helped define an era of NASCAR. His impact on Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing runs deep, and his accomplishments helped lay a foundation we continue to build upon today. My thoughts, and that of the entire organization, are with the Biffle family and everyone close to them as they navigate this tremendously difficult time.
UPDATE 5: NASCAR Statement:
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash.
Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
UPDATE 4: Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders Families:
We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.
Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders).
Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.
Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them.
Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.
Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time.
At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.
UPDATE 3: According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, “Per the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, there were seven fatalities in this morning’s plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport. None of the seven have been identified, but they “believe that Mr. Greg Biffle was one of the deceased occupants.'”
Per the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, there were seven fatalities in this morning's plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport. None of the seven have been identified, but they "believe that Mr. Greg Biffle was one of the deceased occupants."
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) December 18, 2025
UPDATE 2: Garrett Mitchell (Cletus McFarland) says in a Facebook post that Greg Biffle, his wife, and kids were on board the plane.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
UPDATE: Airport officials just conducted a short press conference. The airport is closed until further notice. The FAA is on site conducting their investigation. There are no indications of the cause at this time.
Fatalities have been reported but not confirmedNo additional details were released.
ORIGINAL POST: A Cessna C550 business jet crashed while landing Thursday morning at the Statesville Regional Airport, the FAA confirmed.
The plane is owned by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, according to public records. The tail number is N257BW, which is owned by GB Aviation Leasing. That has the same address as Biffle.
We do not know who was on the plane.
— WSOC TV —
We can confirm the owner of the aircraft leasing company, but we do not know who was on the plane. It reported engine trouble shortly after take-off and was trying to land back at the airport. It crashed and burst into flames. Yes, I am aware of lots of other information from… pic.twitter.com/cRYutwMaZu
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) December 18, 2025