Cessna 550 crashed after attempting emergency return amid severe weather
Seven people were killed on Thursday after a Cessna 550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, with former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle believed to be among the victims, officials confirmed.
NASCAR said Biffle, 55, was killed in the crash, while the North Carolina Highway Patrol stated that formal identification of all victims is still pending due to the severity of the post-crash fire. Authorities believe Biffle and members of his immediate family were among those on board. The aircraft was registered to a company linked to Biffle.
Crash Occurred Shortly After Takeoff
According to flight tracking service FlightAware, the aircraft had departed from Statesville and was bound for Florida when it encountered severe weather shortly after takeoff around 10:15am. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but the jet crashed on the runway.
Images shared by local media and on social platforms showed a large fire engulfing the wreckage, with thick smoke rising from the runway following the impact.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a go-team to the crash site and is expected to brief the media on Friday. Officials said a final list of the seven occupants will be released once confirmations are completed by the medical examiner’s office.
The airport was immediately closed following the incident, and city officials said operations will resume only after debris is cleared and safety assessments are completed.
Legacy of a NASCAR Icon
Greg Biffle was one of NASCAR’s most respected drivers, winning 19 Cup Series races over a career spanning two decades. His final NASCAR Cup Series race was the 2022 Geico 500 at Talladega, and in 2023, he was honored as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
Beyond racing, Biffle was widely praised for his humanitarian efforts. US Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina paid tribute, highlighting Biffle’s role in rescue operations following Hurricane Helene, during which he used his personal helicopter to assist stranded residents.
“Greg was a titan in the NASCAR community both on and off the racetrack,” Tillis said.