Federal air safety experts were on scene of a private jet crash in Statesville, North Carolina, Friday, launching an investigation into what caused the tragic crash that killed NASCAR legend and hall of fame nominee Greg Biffle and his family as well as three others.
Law enforcement officials confirmed Thursday Biffle’s Cessna Citation C550 business jet crashed off the end of a runway while attempting to land at about 10:15 a.m. No one survived the crash, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed Biffle’s wife, Cristina, 35, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, were among those who perished in the accident. The local medical examiner has not yet released the names of the three others on board.
Cristina Biffle’s mother told People magazine that her daughter sent her a text message saying “We’re in trouble,” and she didn’t hear from her again.
NTSB investigators said they recovered the cockpit voice recorder, or “black box,” but the jet wasn’t equipped with a flight data recorder. The aircraft was not required to have either piece of equipment on board, the agency reported.
“The cockpit voice recorder is en route back to Washington, D.C., right now to be analyzed,” NTSB Board Member Michael Graham told reporters Friday.
Although details are still being uncovered, investigators have started to piece together what happened just before Biffle’s plane crashed as it was attempting to land at the municipal airport located about 45 miles outside of Charlotte.
According to Graham, authorities are still unable to verify who was flying the plane at the time of impact. Three people on board had pilot licenses, Graham said.
Investigators are analyzing radar, video footage, audio, and other evidence, but are not aware of anyone sending a mayday call before the jet crashed just short of the runway, hitting trees and lights before bursting into flames.
“We believe the plane was turning back to the airport,” Graham said. “At this point, we are not aware if there was an actual issue or not.”
The aircraft was nearly 45 years old, according to NTSB’s investigator in charge, Dan Baker. However, there are many aircraft still flying that are a lot older than that, officials said.
The plane took off at about 10:05 a.m. in heavy drizzling rain. The plane, which could have been piloted by one or two pilots, made a left turn followed by another left turn back toward the airport after about five minutes, Baker said.
Witnesses told investigators the aircraft came in “really low,” according to Graham.
Authorities are asking the public to help them in the investigation by sharing any videos, photos, debris, or witness accounts with investigators by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.
Biffle, 55, was a licensed pilot with licenses for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
He used his flying skills to help during Hurricane Helene in 2024, flying in food and medicine for victims in hard-to-reach areas of North Carolina.
Tributes and condolences poured in for Biffle and his family following the tragic 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,” NASCAR said in an official statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein called the news “heartbreaking.”
“Beyond his success as a NASCAR driver, Greg Biffle lived a life of courage and compassion and stepped up for western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic crash,” Stein posted on X.
NTSB investigators plan to release a preliminary report on the accident in 30 days.
A full investigation could take up to 18 months to complete, according to officials.
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