NASCAR driver Greg Bifle and his family are among the seven people confirmed dead after a fatal plane crash involving a business jet in North Carolina on Thursday.
Ex-NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle and family among seven dead
A Cessna 550 Citation II, N257BW, crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff on Thursday. The plane was trying to return, immediately after takeoff and land at Statesville Regional Airport, when it crashed at approximately 10:15 a.m. ET, according to local authorities.
According to the NC State Highway Patrol, the aircraft was a GBAviation Leasing aircraft. Seven people aboard the aircraft have now been confirmed dead, including NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma and son Ryder. Other passengers on the plane who have been confirmed dead include Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton.
NASCAR, in a statement, said:
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash. Greg was more than a champion driver; he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.”
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
The families of those involved also released a joint statement on Thursday:
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words.”
NTSB Investigation underway
The National State Transport Board is leading the investigation into the fatal plane crash involving the Cessna 550 airplane. NTSB investigators left for North Carolina on Thursday with a press briefing expected soon.
The NTSB team consists of 16 members, including experts in systems, recorders, powerplants, drones and family assistance.
NTSB, in a briefing, said that the investigation will also be supported by operations, air traffic control and meteorology specialists in Washington.
The investigative team is being led by Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker, who has over 25 years of experience investigating aviation accidents. NTSB expects the investigators to be on scene in North Carolina for about a week.
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