A Cessna C550 light aircraft crashed and erupted in flames while attempting to land at Statesville regional airport, located about 72 km from Charlotte, Bac Carolina, on 18/12. Flight records indicate the aircraft was registered to a company operated by Greg Biffle, a well-known former NASCAR driver. All 7 individuals on board the Cessna perished in the incident.
State police reported that the post-crash fire prevented immediate official identification of the victims. However, authorities believe the fatalities include Greg Biffle and his family.
Biffle was reportedly traveling with his wife Cristina and their two children, Ryder and Emma. The other three victims were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
According to data from the aviation tracking website FlightAware, the Cessna took off from the airport around 10h, initially heading for Florida, but then turned back to attempt a landing. Golfers near the airport witnessed the tragic event, dropping to the ground as the aircraft flew overhead. The area around golf hole 9 was subsequently covered in debris.
"We thought, 'Oh my god, it's flying too low.' It was truly terrifying", golfer Joshua Green recalled.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash. Weather data for the time of the incident indicated drizzle and heavy cloud cover.
Biffle, aged 55, achieved over 50 race victories across three NASCAR series, including 19 wins at the Cup Series level. He also secured championships in the Trucks Series in 2000 and the Xfinity Series in 2002.
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Former race car driver Greg Biffle waves to fans in Darlington, South Carolina, in 8/2024. *Photo: AP* |
NASCAR issued a statement, saying, "Greg was not only a champion driver but also a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a formidable competitor, and a friend to many. His passion for racing, integrity, and dedication to fans and competitors left a lasting mark on the sport."
So far this year, the National Transportation Safety Board has investigated 1,331 aircraft crashes in the US, compared to 1,482 incidents in all of 2024.
Several major aviation accidents in 2025 include a civilian aircraft colliding with a helicopter, killing 67 people in Washington; the Air India crash that killed 260 people; and an incident in Russia's Far East that resulted in 48 deaths. A recent cargo plane crash in Kentucky also killed 14 people, including 11 on the ground.
Pham Giang (According to AP)
