Seven killed as business jet crashes in North Carolina

SEVEN people lost their lives on Thursday after a Cessna 550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, prompting an investigation by federal aviation authorities and tributes from across the motorsport community.

Reuters reported today that NASCAR revealed former driver Greg Biffle was among those killed in the crash. The North Carolina Highway Patrol said it is believed that Biffle and members of his immediate family were on board, but formal confirmation has yet to be completed due to the intensity of the post-crash fire.

The aircraft was registered to a company linked to Biffle, officials said.

Authorities said the medical examiner’s office will release the identities of the seven occupants once confirmation is finalised.

According to FlightAware, an aircraft tracking service, the jet had departed Statesville bound for Florida but attempted to return to the airport shortly after take-off amid severe weather conditions at about 10.15 a.m. local time.

Images shared by local and social media showed a large fire on the runway surrounded by wreckage from the aircraft.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is dispatching a go-team to the scene and will provide a media briefing on the investigation on Friday.

Biffle, 55, enjoyed a distinguished two-decade career in NASCAR, winning 19 Cup Series races. His final appearance on the circuit was at the 2022 Geico 500 at Talladega, and he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

Tributes poured in following news of the crash. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina described Biffle as “a titan in the NASCAR community both on and off the racetrack”.

He added: “After Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Greg stepped up without hesitation by using his own personal helicopter to rescue victims and provide crucial aid to North Carolinians in need.”

City officials said the airport was closed following the incident and will remain shut until debris is cleared from the runway, allowing operations to resume safely. - December 21, 2025