This article reports on the fatal plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that claimed the lives of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family, summarizes the airport’s official response, includes on-scene details and agency involvement, and shares the statement from a close friend who confirmed the victims and the circumstances.

Famed NASCAR Driver and Family Killed in North Carolina Plane Crash

Greg Biffle, a well-known figure in NASCAR, and several family members died after a corporate jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The accident occurred around mid-morning and immediately drew a multiagency response to the scene. Local emergency crews and federal authorities are involved as the investigation begins.

The airport issued an initial notice acknowledging an “aircraft incident” and alerted the public that numerous emergency teams were on site. First responders included fire, EMS, HazMat, rescue units, and state and federal aviation officials. The Federal Aviation Administration arrived to begin its probe into what happened and how the jet came down.

The airport post detailed coordination among agencies and set a public briefing for later that day. Officials noted that regional air traffic control and state emergency channels were being utilized to manage the scene and the investigation. With so many agencies involved, the incident was treated as active and evolving throughout the afternoon.

Iredell County and the City Of Statesville Emergency Response personnel are currently working the incident. Multiple agencies are responding, and Iredell County Emergency Communications (ECOM) is coordinating with on-scene personnel, including HazMat, EMS, Fire, Rescue, Emergency Management, the NC State Highway Patrol, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA arrived on scene at approximately 12:00 p.m. and will investigate the incident.

The VIPER State Events Channel has been requested and is currently being activated. The Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center has also been notified.

This remains an active incident. A short media briefing will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the front of the new Airport Terminal Building, located at 238 Airport Road.

Shortly after the airport update, Garrett Mitchell, better known online as Cleetus McFarland, posted that Biffle and members of his immediate family had been aboard and were headed to visit him. His message conveyed shock and personal loss, confirming that Biffle, his wife and at least one child were on the flight. He also expressed uncertainty about whether Biffle’s daughter was traveling with them.

Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this. I do not know if his daughter was onboard.

Eyewitnesses and responders described a chaotic scene as rescue personnel worked amid wreckage and debris. Investigators have been collecting evidence on site while coordinating with state and federal partners to determine flight history, maintenance records, and potential mechanical or human factors. Given the involvement of the FAA, findings will be followed by more detailed reports as the agency concludes its on-scene activities.

Authorities closed portions of the airport to preserve the site and to give investigators space to document the crash. Media briefings were scheduled to provide updates as they became available, and officials urged patience while examinations continued. Local law enforcement emphasized the need to protect both the investigative process and the privacy of those affected.

Community reaction has been immediate and emotional, with tributes and messages of sorrow appearing from fans and colleagues in the racing world. Biffle’s career and public presence meant many people identified with him, and his sudden loss has prompted an outpouring of condolences. Racing organizations and peers typically respond quickly after such incidents, offering support to families and memorializing the deceased.

Investigators will focus on multiple lines of inquiry, including aircraft maintenance logs, pilot records, weather conditions at the time, and any available communications with air traffic control. Every crash investigation follows a methodical process to piece together a timeline and contributing factors that led to the event. Final conclusions often take weeks or months as forensic review, data retrieval from flight recorders if present, and interviews are completed.

As this remains an active investigation, officials cautioned against speculation and asked that people rely on official briefings for confirmed details. Family members and close friends face a difficult period as authorities work to notify next of kin and to provide accurate information. Further updates will depend on the FAA and local agencies completing their initial work at the scene and compiling verified findings.