Overview
- Authorities confirmed seven fatalities and identified the victims as Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their children Emma and Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton, according to family and NASCAR statements.
- The Cessna C550, registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC tied to Biffle, took off from Statesville Regional Airport shortly after 10 a.m. and crashed during an attempted return around 10:15–10:20 a.m.
- Flight-tracking data show the jet departed and quickly turned back toward the airport, and witness images and video captured wreckage and fire near the runway with debris on the adjacent golf course.
- The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation, with officials stressing that the cause has not been determined and that formal findings typically take months.
- Meteorologists reported drizzle, a low cloud ceiling and reduced visibility around the time of the crash, conditions investigators say will be reviewed as part of the probe.