Greg Biffle Plane Crash Reportedly Followed Distress Message Sent Moments Before Impact

New details have emerged following the reported plane crash in North Carolina that claimed the lives of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, their children, and four others, according to published reports. Information released through PEOPLE indicates that Biffle’s wife, Cristina, sent a brief distress message to her mother shortly before the crash occurred.

According to the report, Cristina Biffle contacted her mother only minutes before the aircraft went down, signaling that something had gone wrong during the flight. That message was the final communication received before the crash, leaving family members devastated by the sudden loss.

The crash occurred Thursday in North Carolina and involved a private jet identified as a Cessna C550. The aircraft was registered to a company owned by Biffle. Reports state the jet went down in a fiery crash, resulting in seven fatalities. Those reported to have been on board include Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children, along with Dennis Dutton, Dutton’s son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

Flight details indicate the aircraft departed from Statesville Regional Airport and was scheduled to travel to Florida. Roughly 26 minutes after takeoff, the jet crashed near a runway. Data referenced in reports suggest the aircraft appeared to turn back toward the airport shortly after departure, though no official explanation has been released regarding why the plane changed course.

No confirmed cause of the crash has been announced, and investigators have not released findings related to mechanical issues, weather conditions, or pilot communications. Authorities have not provided further details about the moments leading up to the crash or the emergency response.

Biffle was a well-known figure in American motorsports, having competed at NASCAR’s top levels during his career. News of his reported death, along with that of his family and others aboard the aircraft, has prompted widespread reaction across the racing community and beyond.

As of now, information surrounding the crash remains limited to what has been reported publicly. Officials are expected to continue examining the circumstances of the incident, with further updates anticipated as more facts become available.

Greg Biffle plane crash updates: What we know about incident that killed NASCAR driver and family

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and their children, were among a group of people killed in a plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina on Thursday, the family confirmed Thursday.

WSOC originally reported Thursday morning that a Cessna C550 business jet owned by Biffle crashed at the end of the runway at Statesville Regional Airport, with seven people killed in the accident.

The crash reportedly occurred around 10:20 a.m. ET, and a witness stated that the plane was “way too low” before there was “a huge explosion,” per WSOC.

Here is what’s known about the plane crash that reportedly killed Greg Biffle and his family.

Greg Biffle plane crash updates

WSOC first reported Thursday morning that a Cessna C550 business jet owned by Greg Biffle had crashed at the end of the runway at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The crash killed seven people, including Greg Biffle, his wife and his two kids, along with Dennis Dutton, his son, Jack, and Craig Wadsworth, per TMZ. 

A joint statement was released from the combined Biffle, Grossu, Dutton and Lunders families regarding the plane crash.

The plane was owned by Biffle through GB Aviation Leasing, per WSOC, and the plane had taken off from the airport around 10 a.m. ET, but then returned and was attempting to land at the airport again. It was reportedly supposed to fly from Sarasota, Florida, to Treasure Cay International Airport in the Bahamas, before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and then to Statesville by evening, according to WSOC.

A witness told WSOC that the jet was “way too low” before there was “a huge explosion.” The crash happened around 10:15 a.m. ET, and the airport where it occurred was used often by NASCAR teams and Fortune 500 companies, per WSOC.

On Friday, National Transportation Safety Board officials held a news conference about the plane crash, saying the organization was “unaware if a mayday call was given nor why the plane was returning,” per the Charlotte Observor, and that the plane was returning to the airport 10 minutes after it had taken off when it crashed before reaching the runway.

NTSB officials said the plane was in the air for about five minutes before it started to return. It made initial impact with a runaway light about 1,800 feet from the runway, and then impacted trees, two other lights and the airport perimeter fence short of the runway before coming to a stop on the runway, per the Charlotte Observor.

It remains unclear who was piloting the plane, according to NTSB officials. Three people on the flight had pilot licenses: Greg Biffle, Dennis Dutton and Jack Dutton. Officials also said it’s unclear whether the weather was a factor in the crash, but there was a heavy drizzle and clouds were close to the ground at the time of the crash, per the Charlotte Observor. The cockpit voice recorder was recovered from the crash.

The NTSB investigation may reportedly take 12 to 18 months to complete, but a preliminary report could be available in 30 days.

On Friday, People also reported that minutes before the plane crash, Cristina Grossu Biffle, Greg’s wife, sent a text to her mother, Cathy, that said, “We’re in trouble.” Cathy Grossu also told people that the group killed in the plane crash was planning go out for a “birthday trip” in Florida.

According to Jordan Bianchi, the NTSB said on Saturday that investigators were still trying to determine who was flying the plane, but they could confirm there was a text message sent from someone on the plane saying, “Emergency landing.”

Rep. Richard Hudson released a statement on Thursday afternoon that confirmed Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, and their two children were killed in the crash.

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” Hudson’s statement said. “Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”

NASCAR also released a statement Thursday.

“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. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport,” the statement read. “On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”

Biffle’s racing career included a NASCAR Hall of Fame nomination and a spot on NASCAR’s list of its 75 greatest drivers. He won the Rookie of the Year in 1998 and the 2000 series championship in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, plus the 2001 Rookie of the Year award and the 2002 championship in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He became the first driver to win titles in both circuits. Biffle had 19 victories in 515 Cup Series starts from 2002-16.

How old was Greg Biffle?

Greg Biffle was 55 years old at the time of his death in December 2025.

Greg Biffle kids

Greg Biffle had a daughter with his first wife, Nicole Lunders, named Emma, who was born in 2011. He also had a son with Cristina Grossu, Ryder, who the couple welcomed in 2020.

Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, were reportedly killed in the December 2025 plane crash that also killed Greg Biffle and Cristina Grossu.

Greg Biffle wife

Greg Biffle’s wife was Cristina Grossu. The two were married in January 2023.

Was Greg Biffle retired?

Greg Biffle retired from full-time racing in 2016, but still remained involved in motorsports part-time for years leading up to his death. He was considered “semi-retired.” Biffle briefly returned to the Cup Series in 2022 to participate in the Daytona 500 and a few other races for NY Racing Team.