Greg Biffle plane crash update: Jet hit runway lights, trees, fence, NTSB says

Mark Price, Desiree Mathurin and Joe Marusak, The Charlotte Observer on Dec 19, 2025

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In 10 minutes, a simple plane ride turned into a deadly crash that claimed the lives of seven people Thursday, including that of NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family, according to federal aviation investigators.

On Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board officials held a news conference providing preliminary information on the Statesville Regional Airport plane crash.

NTSB member Michael Graham said that from 10:05 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., the plane left the airport about 45 miles north of Charlotte, then returned for an unknown reason, crashing before the runway entrance.

The crash quickly gained international attention when it was revealed that Biffle — “one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers” — was among the victims. Others on board included Biffle’s wife Cristina Grossu, their 5-year-old son, Ryder, and Greg’s teenage daughter, Emma, father and son Dennis and Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth, according to a joint statement from the victims’ families.

Preliminary Biffle crash details from the NTSB

It’s unclear whether a mayday call was given, Graham said.

The 44-year-old Cessna 550 jet was in the air for about five minutes before it started to return, according to Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker. The jet left Statesville at about 10:05 a.m. It made a left turn toward the west followed by a left turn to the east, which led the aircraft back to the airport.

The airplane made initial impact with a runaway light about 1,800 feet from the runway, Baker said. It later impacted trees, two other lights and the airport perimeter fence short of the runway before coming to a stop on the runway, Baker said.

The Cessna 550 jet was destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Witnesses noted on social media the plane cut a path through a wooded area near the airport, and left a smoking trail carved in the grass before it came to a stop. Graham added that when the plane was returning to the airport, witnesses noted that it returned a low height.

Who was the pilot in the Statesville plane crash?

It is not clear for now who was piloting the plane, officials said.

Biffle had 20 years of experience as a helicopter pilot, which he used last year in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to fly much-needed supplies to people in western North Carolina, PBS reported in 2024. And both of the Duttons also had pilot licenses.

FlightAware.com reported that the Cessna was scheduled to spend most of the day in Florida, flying from Sarasota to Treasure Cay and then to Fort Lauderdale before returning to Statesville Friday evening.

Graham added that the plane departed during heavy drizzle and “low ceiling,” meaning clouds were close to the ground, which could impact visibility. When investigating, Graham said the NTSB will look at who was flying the plane, the plane itself and the weather.

However, it’s unclear whether the weather was a factor in the crash.

Graham didn’t rule out whether the age of the aircraft was a factor, but said there are older aircraft in operation and as long as a plane was maintained, it would fly for long time.

Graham also acknowledged rumors that text messages went out to family members saying the passengers were in trouble, but he could not validate the claim. However, he said the cockpit voice recorder was recovered.

What’s next in the Statesville plane crash probe?

The NTSB investigation may take 12 to 18 months to complete, although a preliminary report would be available in 30 days.

The 16-member NTSB team is expected to stay a week while investigating the crash. The team will be supported by specialists in operations, air traffic control and meteorology.

The NTSB is asking that any witnesses come forward to provide accounts, videos or photos. People with information can email the organization at witness@ntsb.gov.