NTSB Releases New Details on Fatal Greg Biffle Plane Crash

Just days after the plane crash in North Carolina that claimed the lives of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two kids and three others on board, officials are now revealing that moments before the tragedy, one passenger frantically sent a text to a loved one that said “emergency landing.” The NTSB investigation team says it only took ten minutes for the private Cessna jet to take off and circle back before crashing at the airport, though it reamins unclear why. NBC’s Sam Brock reports for TODAY.

NASCAR legend reflects on Greg Biffle’s tragic death: ‘I get sicker and sicker’

Biffle, his family members were among those who died in a plane crash last week

Greg Biffle’s tragic death in a plane crash left the NASCAR world reeling last week, and former racing star Mark Martin appeared to still be in shock.

Martin made his feelings about Biffle’s death clear in a post on X on Monday.

Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 Scotch-Brite Ford, talks to Mark Martin, driver of the #55 Aaron’s 2000th Store/Bronx, NY Toyota, on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sept. 29, 2012 in Dover, Delaware. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images for NASCAR)

“Every day I get sicker and sicker about this tragedy,” he wrote.

Biffle and Martin shared the track together from 2002 to 2009. Martin retired from racing professionally full time after the 2009 season, while Biffle continued to race through the 2016 season, and again in 2022. Martin and Biffle were with Roush Racing in the early 2000s as well.

Martin wrote that, as a pilot himself, the more “disturbing” Biffle crash becomes.

Mark Martin, driver of the #5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, talks with Greg Biffle (R), driver of the #16 Ford40MPG.com Ford, during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 24, 2011 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

“As a Citation pilot for 20 years and a product of around 75 days of @FlightSafetyInt training and over 3000 hours of flight time in the aircraft I have deep knowledge of these aircraft and performance,” he added. “The more I learn about Biffle’s crash the more disturbing it is to me.”

Biffle, 55, was killed alongside his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, as their plane crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. Three other people killed on board were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.

The plane was returning to the Statesville Regional Airport roughly 10 minutes after takeoff for an “emergency landing.”

NASCAR driver Greg Biffle (16) watches during the NASCAR Sylvania 300 auto race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. (Cheryl Senter/AP Photo)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was still investigating the cause of the crash.

No Evidence of Conflicting Expert Opinions or Shocking Black Box Discovery in Greg Biffle Plane Crash Investigation

As the nation continues to mourn the tragic loss of retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his family, and three others in the December 18, 2025, plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, rumors of dramatic new developments in the investigation have circulated online. Claims of “conflicting evidence,” a collision with a lamppost, divided expert opinions on wind conditions versus abnormal cockpit operation, and a mysterious parameter in the black box flight data recorder that “left investigators speechless” have sparked widespread speculation. However, a thorough review of official updates from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and credible news sources reveals no substantiation for these assertions as of December 24, 2025.

people.com

Greg Biffle’s Family: What to Know About His Wife and 2 Kids

The crash involved a 1981 Cessna Citation 550 (registration N257BW), owned by Biffle’s company GB Aviation Leasing. The jet took off from Statesville around 10:05 a.m., bound for Florida, but returned shortly after for an emergency landing. It crashed approximately 10 minutes later, striking runway approach lights (described in reports as light stanchions or poles), trees, and a fence before impacting the ground short of Runway 28 and erupting in flames. All seven on board perished: Greg Biffle, 55; his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle; their 5-year-old son Ryder; Biffle’s 14-year-old daughter Emma (from a previous marriage); Dennis Dutton; his son Jack Dutton; and Craig Wadsworth.

wbtv.com

Photos show aftermath of Statesville plane crash that killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle

The NTSB, leading the investigation with FAA assistance, has provided measured updates emphasizing that it is in the early stages. A cockpit voice recorder (CVR)—commonly referred to as a “black box”—was recovered and sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., for analysis. Notably, the aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder (FDR), as it was not required for this older model, and no such device has been mentioned in official briefings. There are no reports of any specific “parameter” from a flight data recorder stunning investigators, as no FDR data exists.

atsb.gov.au

Black box flight recorders | ATSB

Weather conditions at the time included heavy drizzle, low ceilings, and calm winds—factors the NTSB is examining but not yet linking conclusively to the crash. No conflicting expert analyses have emerged publicly: one aviation safety consultant noted questions about crew qualifications (three occupants held pilot licenses, but qualifications for this jet vary), while meteorologists described winds as calm. The plane appeared stable on approach with landing lights on but was too low, possibly due to the runway’s elevated position on a hill.

foxnews.com

Wreckage of plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and family shown in photos

A passenger (reportedly Cristina Biffle) texted a family member “We’re in trouble” or “Emergency landing” moments before impact, and no Mayday call was issued. Investigators are focusing on why the quick return was necessary, who was piloting, maintenance records, and potential mechanical issues. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a full probable cause determination potentially taking 12-18 months.

motorsport.com

NTSB working to verify pilot in fatal Greg Biffle plane crash

The absence of confirmed details matching the rumored claims suggests these may stem from misinformation, sensational headlines, or conflation with unrelated aviation incidents. The NTSB has repeatedly cautioned against speculation, urging the public to await factual findings. Photos and videos from witnesses are still being sought to aid reconstruction.

charlotteobserver.com

Statesville airport announces update after Greg Biffle crash …

Greg Biffle’s legacy as a NASCAR great—with championships in Trucks (2000) and Xfinity (2002), 19 Cup wins, and recognition among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers—endures alongside his humanitarian work, including Hurricane Helene relief flights. The racing community and nation grieve the profound loss of a devoted family man whose life centered on his loved ones.

facebook.com

Such a sad day hearing the news on Greg Biffle and family. My …

As Christmas 2025 arrives, families affected continue to heal amid heartfelt tributes. Official sources remain the most reliable for updates; unsubstantiated rumors only add pain during this difficult time.