On the gray, rainy morning of December 18, 2025, a private Cessna C550 jet departed Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on what was meant to be a routine flight to Florida. On board were seven people, including former NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children. Minutes after takeoff, the aircraft encountered trouble—and never reached its destination.
Flight data shows the jet struggled shortly after departure, climbing to about 4,300 feet before making a sudden turn back toward the airport. Witnesses nearby watched as the plane emerged from low clouds at an unusually low altitude, clipped obstacles, and crashed less than half a mile from the runway. A post-impact fire engulfed the aircraft, leaving no survivors despite the rapid response of emergency crews.
The crash sent shockwaves through the motorsports world. Greg Biffle, 55, was one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, earning championships in both the Truck Series and Xfinity Series and recording 19 Cup Series wins. In recent years, however, he was equally admired for his humanitarian work, particularly his solo helicopter missions delivering aid to isolated communities after Hurricane Helene.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of Cristina Biffle, their children Emma and Ryder, and three others closely connected to the racing community. Tributes have highlighted not only Biffle’s racing legacy but the deep personal loss felt by friends, fans, and families nationwide.
The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating the crash. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered, and investigators are examining whether mechanical failure or weather-related disorientation played a role. No distress call was transmitted, suggesting the pilots were focused on controlling the aircraft during its final moments. A final text sent by Cristina Biffle—“We’re in trouble”—marked the last communication from the plane.
As the investigation continues, North Carolina and the racing world remain in mourning. Memorials and tributes are planned across NASCAR events, honoring not only a champion driver, but a man remembered for his generosity, courage, and devotion to family.