Seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and their two children were killed Thursday morning when a Cessna Citation II business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport (SVH) in North Carolina.
The accident occurred on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m. local time, following a brief flight that ended in an attempted return to the airport. Authorities have confirmed seven fatalities, including Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their 5-year-old son Ryder, Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma from a previous marriage, Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, a longtime member of the NASCAR community.
The aircraft, a Cessna C550 Citation II bearing registration N257BW, was owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company owned by Biffle.
What We Know About the Flight
According to FlightAware data, the Citation departed Statesville at 10:06 a.m. local time. The jet climbed to roughly 2,000 feet before descending to around 1,900 feet and leveling off.
Roughly four minutes after departure, the jet initiated a turn back toward SVH, suggesting something had gone wrong. About eight minutes into the flight, as the aircraft appeared to be lining up for an approach to Runway 28, flight tracking data ended.
Images circulating on social media indicate that the aircraft did reach airport property, though it ultimately crashed during the attempted landing.
Early social media reports also cite a friend of the family who claimed to have heard an “unusual sound” as the aircraft departed, though officials have not confirmed any mechanical issues.
FlightAware data shows the flight was headed for Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) in Florida, and then on to Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) in the Bahamas.
Weather Conditions Were Deteriorating
Weather conditions at Statesville Regional Airport were poor and rapidly worsening at the time of the accident.
At 1015, METAR data showed heavy drizzle and a ceiling near 1,200 feet. By 1030, the ceiling had reportedly dropped to approximately 400 feet, with visibility reduced to under two miles.
An Investigation is Underway
Federal Aviation Administration personnel arrived at Statesville Regional Airport around noon Thursday, according to media reports. The National Transportation Safety Board is also expected to participate in the investigation.
No official cause has been determined, and investigators have not yet commented on aircraft systems, pilot actions, or contributing factors.
People Magazine reports that Cristina’s mom, Cathy Grossu, received a text shortly before the accident saying simply, “We’re in trouble.”
Statesville Regional Airport, located roughly 45 miles north of Charlotte, serves a significant amount of corporate aviation traffic and is frequently used by NASCAR teams due to its proximity to the sport’s North Carolina hub. The airport was closed following the accident and will remain closed until further notice, according to authorities.
Remembering Greg Biffle and His Family
Greg Biffle, 55, widely known throughout motorsports as “The Biff,” was a prominent figure in American racing. Before becoming a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, he won championships in the Truck Series (2000) and Busch Series (2002). He competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2003 to 2016, primarily with team owner Jack Roush.
During his Cup Series career, Biffle earned 19 race wins and recorded six top-10 championship finishes, including a runner-up result in 2005.
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.
NASCAR Official Statement
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.
Biffle was the father of two children. His daughter, Emma Elizabeth, was from his first marriage to Nicole Lunders, while his son, Ryder Jack, was born during his marriage to Cristina Grossu, whom Biffle married in 2023. Both children were killed in the crash alongside Greg Biffle and Cristina Grossu.
Away from the racetrack, Biffle was also deeply involved in aviation and charitable work. He was a licensed helicopter pilot and became widely recognized for his humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene, when he used his helicopter to transport supplies to isolated and hard-hit communities across western North Carolina. His actions drew praise from both the aviation and motorsports communities.
The group of family and friends was traveling to Florida to meet others for a gathering planned in celebration of Biffle, who was scheduled to turn 56 years old on Tuesday.
Developing Story
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. As with all aviation accidents, the process is expected to take time, and investigators have urged patience as facts are confirmed.
This is a developing story. AvGeekery will continue to update this article as more confirmed information becomes available.
