STATESVILLE, N.C. — A tragic aircraft crash at Statesville Regional Airport has left a community in mourning and the motorsports world holding its breath, as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the loss of multiple lives aboard a private jet linked through public records to NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Emergency crews and aviation authorities were dispatched to the airport at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time following reports that a Cessna 550 Citation II had crashed on or near the airfield. Public aviation records show the aircraft is registered to a company owned by Biffle, a championship-winning NASCAR driver whose career and character earned respect throughout the racing world.
Officials have confirmed that six people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. As of the latest update, five fatalities have been confirmed, while the condition and identity of the remaining occupant have not been released. Authorities have not yet officially identified any of the victims, and next-of-kin notifications are ongoing.
Early reports have differed on whether the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff or during an attempted landing, and investigators caution that these details remain preliminary. The crash site has been secured, and emergency responders continue to work alongside federal investigators to ensure a thorough and respectful examination of the scene.
Unconfirmed reports have circulated suggesting that Greg Biffle, along with his wife and children, may have been among those on board. Officials have emphasized that this information has not been verified, and no names have been formally released. Until confirmation is provided by authorities, these reports remain unconfirmed.
Still, the weight of the tragedy is undeniable. Five lives have been lost, families have been shattered, and a nation waits for answers. The possibility that members of one family may have perished together has deepened the collective grief felt by fans, colleagues, and communities far beyond North Carolina.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Their work will include analysis of aircraft performance, pilot communications, maintenance records, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident.
A press conference scheduled for approximately 12:00 p.m. is expected to provide updated information regarding the investigation, the confirmed number of victims, and—if available—the identities of those lost.
As this remains a developing situation, authorities urge patience and respect for the families awaiting official word. In the meantime, thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy, and with the loved ones of the victims whose lives ended far too soon.
