Posted on 12/18/2025 10:59:12 AM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701
STATESVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) - A plane crash at an airport in Iredell County resulted in multiple deaths on Thursday, the sheriff confirmed.
The Cessna C550 airplane crashed at Statesville Regional Airport around 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 18.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told CBS News that six people were aboard the plane. It was not immediately clear whether there were any survivors.
A picture from the airport showed the plane in a massive ball of flames after it crashed on the runway.
Flight tracking records showed a Cessna 550 that took off from Statesville Regional Airport at 10:06 a.m. is owned by a private North Carolina company. Business records showed that private company is affiliated with retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Federal, state and local agencies were called, including Iredell County and Statesville personnel, the FAA and North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
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.
The airport is not far from the I-77/I-40 interchange, about 10 minutes outside downtown Statesville.
(Excerpt) Read more at wbtv.com ...
Fox NHRA broadcaster Brian Lohnes posted on Mitchell's Facebook: "Absolutely devastating. A genuine man who has done so much to help others in times of desperate need. An incalculable loss to so many. My most sincere condolences."
Dang. Biffle was a great guy.
Biffle did more for Helene victims than the government, yet the F1 authorities chose some pop culture figure instead of him to wave the chequered flag at F1 races. ACCUS would have approved Biffle because of his work.
He and AEW star Adam Copeland helped Western North Carolina after the worst of the worst.
Just terrible, no words..an ENTIRE family gone..and Greg was an absolute HERO for all he did for Hurricane Helene relief, he saved so many lives
Sincere condolences to their family’s life will never be the same for them.
How horrible.
Very sad news.
Emma, I believe, was his daughter from a previous relationship. It hurts for Nicole (his ex) that she lost her daughter.
Yep.
Dadgummit. This model of Citation is a relatively easy jet to fly . . . when all is well. But, they can be a handful when things are not. NY Yankee great Thurman Munson died while landing his in good weather many years ago. The weather here was poor.
Local news channel reports airport temperature at time of crash as 45 degrees with dew point at 35 degrees. Possible icing conditions at altitude?
RIP for all onboard.
Very sad. I wonder if it was single pilot? Most C550’s have a 2 pilot requirement, but some are certified single pilot.
Yep, very sad also. Thurman Munson’s jet was certified single pilot.
Yeah, Edge (Adam Copeland) moved to the Asheville area after he retired from WWE.
Dang. RIP Biff.
}:-)4
How many people died or were maimed with broken bones in car accidents during 2025 compared to aircraft accidents?
Re; Are these single pilot?
I think most of these “straight-winged” Citations are certified single pilot. I think that is fine, but the workload can pile up fast. I don’t know whether icing was a factor. It shouldn’t have been if he had just departed. I am baffled as to how it crashed on/near the runway if it just took over. Maybe he was returning for some reason.
Speculation will be rife for a while. Condolences and prayers for the family for now.
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.”
Roush Fenway Keselowski statement.
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 organisation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Biffle family and to all their loved ones and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Another statement by the Grossu family, Dutton family (pilot), and Nicole Lunders (mother of Emma):
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.
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