A tragic accident claimed the lives of seven individuals, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, when a Cessna C550 Citation II crashed at Statesville Regional Airport (SVH) in North Carolina on December 18, 2025. The aircraft, which had taken off for Florida, attempted to return shortly after departure due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Emergency responders were confronted with a severe post-crash fire, leading to the airport’s temporary closure as they worked to manage the situation and collect debris for investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now spearheading the investigation into the incident, which is being closely monitored by local agencies.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred approximately 50 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Reports indicate that the Cessna departed on a private trip before experiencing difficulties almost immediately. The fire that ensued after the impact complicated recovery efforts and delayed the identification of victims. Authorities confirmed the fatalities included five adults and two children.
According to local officials, formal identifications will depend on the findings from the medical examiner’s office. The NTSB has dispatched a team of investigators to the site to gather data and begin reconstructing the flight’s path. A media briefing is scheduled for Friday, where further details are expected to be shared.
The families of the victims expressed profound sorrow in a joint statement, mourning not only Biffle and his wife, Cristina, but also friends Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, alongside Craig Wadsworth, who was well-known in NASCAR circles. Biffle, aged 55, was celebrated for his impressive racing career, having secured 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories and contributing positively to the community through charitable efforts.
Investigation Underway
As investigators piece together the events leading to this tragedy, they will examine various factors. These include radar data, communications with air traffic control, and any available cockpit recordings. The aircraft’s maintenance records, as well as the crew’s training and duty history, will also be scrutinized.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash are of particular interest, given that the jet attempted to return shortly after takeoff. The post-impact fire has raised concerns about the integrity of evidence, as critical components may have been destroyed. The NTSB team will document wreckage patterns and impact marks at the scene, which will assist in their analysis.
In the weeks following the crash, the NTSB typically interviews witnesses and first responders. A preliminary report summarizing confirmed facts will be released, but a comprehensive final determination, which includes a full examination of all contributing factors, will take significantly longer.
As the investigation progresses, tributes continue to pour in from across the motorsport community and local leaders. They have praised Biffle’s remarkable contributions and called for patience as investigators methodically work to uncover the facts surrounding this tragic incident.
