NASCAR Driver, Family Dead After Plane Crashes Near Charlotte

Longtime NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were among those killed in a plane crash on Thursday morning in Statesville, North Carolina, about 45 miles outside of Charlotte.

Representative Richard Hudson confirmed the news.

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Rep. Hudson said.

Biffle’s close friend, Garrett Mitchell said the Biffles were flying to visit him when the plane crashed.

“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,” Mitchell said.

Biffle’s daughter was a teenager, and their son had just turned five.

A source with knowledge of the situation told The Daily Wire there were a total of six passengers on board.

According to airport officials, the Cessna C550 airplane crashed while landing at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:15 a.m. Video from witnesses showed the aircraft engulfed in flames near the runway. The crash caused a multi-agency response.

Flight tracking records showed a Cessna C550, registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, that took off from Statesville Regional Airport at 10:06 a.m. before turning around shortly after takeoff to head back to the airport. GB Aviation Leasing LLC is a private company linked to Biffle.

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Biffle was a longtime NASCAR driver, becoming one of only three drivers to win the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series. He was a nominee for the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Biffle was known for more than just his skills on the track. He was a humanitarian who helped out greatly when North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Biffle used his personal helicopter to take generators, chainsaws, water, and essential supplies needed to those in the impossible-to-reach regions devastated by the storm. He even helped raise more than $60,000 from t-shirt sales for western North Carolina relief efforts.

“They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” Rep. Hudson said. “He was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.

Biffle said he loved anything with gas and wheels — it was evident in his love for aviation.

The private pilot flew out of the Statesville airport often. According to the city of Statesville’s website, the airport is city-owned and provides corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.

Airport officials said in a press conference Thursday that the airport is shut down while debris is cleaned up. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash. At this time, there is no official cause of the crash.