STATESVILLE, N.C. — Seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, were killed when a plane crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP).
Statesville Regional Airport confirmed an “aircraft incident” at approximately 10:15 a.m. Statesville officials confirmed the airport will be closed until further notice while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene.
Greg Biffle was the only victim identified. The other six people have not been identified. Officials said they would provide a list of victims once it was available.
Garrett Mitchell, whose internet personality is Cleetus McFarland, confirmed that Biffle, along with his wife, Cristina and two children, were on the plane. Mitchell said the family was flying down to Florida to visit him. McFarland and Biffle became friends when Biffle organized flights to carry relief supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in western North Carolina. Biffle also participated in several of Mitchell’s racing events. “Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane,” Mitchell posted on Facebook. “Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace posted that Craig Wadsworth, a longtime figure in the NASCAR community, was on the plane.
NCSHP confirmed that the plane’s tail number, N257BW, is owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Officials have not provided any details on who may have been on board the plane. The NTSB will hold a news conference Friday with the latest details on the investigation.
The plane was enroute to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport before it crashed.