STATESVILLE, N.C. — Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, son Ryder and daughter Emma were of the seven killed when his private jet crashed Thursday at Statesville Regional Airport.
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The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. at the airport, which is located about 45 miles north of Charlotte.
During an afternoon news conference, Highway Patrol Sgt. Christopher Knox said it was one of the worst crashes he has ever seen. Highway Patrol said seven people were onboard. All of them perished.
Officials are awaiting confirmation from the medical examiner to officially release all the identities.
Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.
The investigation
The Cessna C550 business jet took off from the airport shortly after 10 a.m. but then returned and was attempting to land on reapproach before crashing, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.
The plane had planned to fly later from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, data showed.
The plane is owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing, which lists the same address as Biffle himself, according to public records.
The Statesville Regional Airport’s website states that it offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams.
Knox said National Transportation Safety Board team will be in Statesville, and they are planning on holding a media briefing on Friday.
The investigation being conducted by the FAA and NTSB is ongoing. The Highway Patrol secured the scene.
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family Screenshot 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 13: Honorary Starter, former NASCAR Cup Series driver, Greg Biffle poses with the green flag in the flagstand prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 13: Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) (L) poses with Honorary Starter, former NASCAR Cup Series driver, Greg Biffle and his daughter Emma Elizabeth Biffle during the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 13, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family FORT WORTH, TEXAS – JUNE 07: Greg Biffle, driver of the #51 Toyota Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on June 07, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) (Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family 
Photos: Greg Biffle and family Weather
Chopper 9 Skyzoom, which was on its way to the scene, had to turn back due to inclement weather conditions that limited visibility at the airport to about 5 miles.
Fog was present at the time of the crash, although it is not confirmed if this contributed to the accident, as the current weather conditions are being investigated.
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‘Huge explosion’
A witness from nearby Lakewood Golf Club saw the business-class jet crash and stated that the plane was “way too low” before there was “a huge explosion.”
“I didn’t hear anything,” said witness Scott Sain, with Maynard Electric. “But I went across and the whole end of the runway was on fire.”
Sain was working on a construction project at a new terminal 300 yards away and saw smoke and flames.
He immediately thought about the people on board.
“Sad. Sad for the folks,” Sain said. “We’re here in the Christmas season and there’s going to be some families that are hurting at this time.”
Eric Jones was also working near the new terminal.
“When I walked over there, you could actually see the flames,” said Jones. “It was huge. Very sad. Very sad. Praying for everybody.”
Joint Statement from the Biffle, Grossu, Dutton & Lunders families:
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.
“Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were deeply loved as well, and their loss is felt by all who knew them. Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community and will be missed by those who knew him.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
VIDEO: Channel 9 gets inside look at how NTSB investigates aircraft crashes
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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