A tragic aviation accident occurred when a Cessna C550 Citation II crashed at Statesville Regional Airport (SVH) in North Carolina on December 18, 2025. The crash resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. A joint statement from NASCAR and Biffle’s family confirmed this devastating loss.
The aircraft, which was on a private flight to Florida, faced poor weather conditions shortly after takeoff and attempted to return to the airport before crashing. A severe fire erupted post-impact, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the incident while local authorities secured the runway area.
Investigation Underway Following Fatal Crash
The crash took place approximately 50 miles north of Charlotte, shortly after the jet departed for Florida. Reports indicate that the plane made a quick decision to turn back due to deteriorating weather conditions. Emergency crews responded to the scene, battling intense flames on or near the runway, which led to the temporary closure of the airport as debris was cleared and evidence collected.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol, alongside Iredell County officials, confirmed that all seven individuals aboard perished in the accident, which included five adults and two children. Formal identifications are pending confirmation from the medical examiner, as the fire significantly affected the remains.
An NTSB go-team of investigators has been dispatched to lead the inquiry, focusing on various factors that could have contributed to the crash. A media briefing is scheduled for Friday, providing updates to the public as the investigation unfolds.
A Community Mourns the Loss
A statement from the families of the victims expressed profound grief, highlighting Greg and Cristina Biffle as dedicated parents whose lives revolved around their children. The statement also mourned the loss of Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton, and remembered Craig Wadsworth as a cherished figure in NASCAR.
Biffle, aged 55, had a distinguished career in motorsports, securing 19 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series and becoming a champion in the organization’s national series. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts, including using his aircraft to aid communities affected by Hurricane Helene. NASCAR paid tribute to Biffle, calling him a friend and champion, while acknowledging the tragic nature of this accident.
Investigators are now tasked with piecing together the events leading to the crash. They will examine radar data, air traffic control communications, and any recoverable onboard recordings. Additionally, the aircraft’s maintenance history, engine performance, and the crew’s training records will be scrutinized. Weather conditions at the time of the incident remain a critical aspect of the investigation, as the jet attempted to return shortly after takeoff.
The NTSB team will document wreckage patterns and impact marks at the crash site before moving components for further analysis. Witnesses and first responders will be interviewed, and a preliminary report summarizing verified facts will be issued in the coming weeks. A final report, providing a comprehensive analysis of all contributing factors, is expected to take significantly longer to complete.
As the investigation progresses, officials urge patience and understanding from the community while they work to uncover the details surrounding this tragic event.
