A harrowing video has surfaced capturing the moment when a plane carrying NASCAR icon Greg Biffle and his family erupted into flames.
Security cameras recorded the Cessna C550 crashing at North Carolina’s Statesville Regional Airport, leading to a tragedy that claimed seven lives.
Biffle, affectionately dubbed ‘the Biff’ in racing circles, was on board with his wife, Cristina, and their children, Emma and Ryder, prompting a wave of condolences from the motorsport community.
Disturbing flight data suggests the jet attempted a return to the runway.
Bound for Sarasota, Florida, the aircraft unexpectedly plunged to the ground, igniting a fireball.
Flight records from FlightAware indicate that the plane initially departed from the airport, circled back, and then met its fatal descent.
The fact that the plane took off then circled back to the airport means a mechanical issue might have taken place, WCNC’s Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said.
‘Because if it was something on the take off or landing, it could be anything, right? But the fact that they took off and immediately circled back to the airport told me they probably were having some kind of trouble,’ Panovich added.
The tracking data clearly showed the aircraft take off, then come right back to the airport, shifting to the right and stopping – presumably when the fireball erupted.
Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, along with father and son Dennis and Jack Dutton, were also killed, according to a statement from the families. It remains unclear who was piloting the aircraft.
NASCAR icon Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and two children, Emma and son Ryder, tragically died in the fiery North Carolina plane crash Thursday
Flight Aware tracking data clearly showed the aircraft took off, then came right back to the airport before it burst into flames
‘Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,’ the statement read. It is unclear who was piloting the aircraft.
On Thursday afternoon, Garrett Mitchell, one of Biffle’s friends, shared the sad news that the NASCAR driver, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on board.
‘Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,’ Mitchell, who often appears in YouTube videos with Biffle, wrote on Facebook.
‘We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this,’ he stated.
‘Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,’ Mitchell, who often appears in YouTube videos with Biffle, wrote on Facebook.
North Carolina Rep. Richard Hudson also confirmed the family tragedy.
‘I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans,’ Hudson said on X.
‘But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.
‘The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica.
Craig Wadsworth, another NASCAR star, also died in the crash
‘That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.’
It comes after Biffle posted a picture of him piloting the very same plane in September.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the aircraft belongs to the semi-retired NASCAR driver, who was seen in a smiling snap with President Donald Trump in February at the NASCAR Cup series in Daytona Beach, Florida.
He married his ex-wife, Nicole Lunders, in October 2007. They share a 14-year-old daughter, Emma Elizabeth, together. The pair got divorced in 2016.
Biffle went on to marry his current wife, Cristina Grossu, in January 2023 after getting engaged in 2021. They share five-year-old Ryder.
Nearly 24 hours before the fatal crash, Cristina posted a picture in the car on her Instagram story with the caption: ‘Busy day today.’
The fact that the plane took off and then circled back to the airport means a mechanical issue might have taken place, WCNC’s Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said
Biffle is seen with his daughter Emma on July 16, 2016, in Daytona Beach, Florida
She then shared a picture of Martha Stewart with an inspirational statement on it.
Grossu was a realtor, CEO of My Replica Ring, and a travel agent for CG Luxe Travel, according to her Instagram account.
The couple often posted pictures together online at family and racing events.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials are investigating the tragic crash.
