Authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragic plane crash that killed NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their two children, and three others. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed in a press conference on December 19, 2025, that they are still determining who was piloting the twin-engine Cessna Citation 550 when it went down at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

Victims and Flight Details

Among the seven fatalities were:

• Greg Biffle, 55, NASCAR driver
• Cristina Grossu Biffle, his wife
• Ryder Biffle, 5, and Emma Biffle, 14, their children
• Dennis Dutton, commercial airline pilot
• Jack Dutton, Dennis’s son and recently certified single-engine pilot
• Craig Wadsworth, a family friend

The plane, owned by Biffle, had been in the air for approximately 10 minutes before attempting to return to the airport. It crashed just short of the runway, hitting trees, runway light stanchions, and the airport perimeter fence. Post-impact fire consumed most of the fuselage and wing sections.

“The initial point of impact was a runway light stanchion located about 1,800 feet from the runway threshold,” said NTSB Member Michael Graham.

The flight was planned as a birthday trip to Sarasota, Florida, ahead of Biffle’s 56th birthday on December 23.

Investigation Ongoing

The NTSB recovered the cockpit voice recorder, but investigators have not yet confirmed who was flying the aircraft.

“At this time, we have been unable to verify who was flying the airplane,” Graham said. “We do know three of the occupants possessed pilot’s licenses, but verification is ongoing.”

Biffle himself had been certified to fly a multi-engine plane in March 2025, though his license would not have permitted him to act as the sole pilot. Authorities are also investigating weather conditions, as low ceilings and heavy drizzle were reported at the time of the crash.

“It was visual flight rules, but there were low ceilings out there and heavy drizzle. That is one of the three main factors we examine—people, aircraft, and environment,” Graham said.

Witnesses reported the plane came in unusually low before the crash.

Families Remember Loved Ones

The families of the victims released a joint statement expressing profound grief:

“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words… Greg and Cristina were devoted parents… Emma, 14, was a wonderful human being with a kind soul, and Ryder, 5, was active, curious, and infinitely joyful. Dennis and Jack Dutton were deeply loved as well, and Craig Wadsworth was beloved by many in the NASCAR community.”

Next Steps

The NTSB continues to examine the aircraft, pilot credentials, and weather factors, while also speaking with witnesses. Authorities aim to determine the sequence of events that led to the crash and to clarify who was piloting the plane at the time.

This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through both the NASCAR community and aviation circles, highlighting the importance of ongoing investigation and safety protocols.