Tragic North Carolina Plane Crash Claims Seven Lives

A private jet crashed moments after takeoff near Statesville, North Carolina, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, killing all seven people on board. Among the victims were retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children, Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5. The other victims included Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

The jet had just taken off from Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. Attempting to return to the runway, it slammed into a field and burst into flames.

Victims Identified as Investigators Examine Crash

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol released the victims’ names on Friday, December 19. The aircraft, a Cessna C550, was registered to a company operated by Biffle. FAA records show he was rated to fly helicopters and single- and multi-engine planes. It is unclear if Biffle was piloting the jet at the time.

Weather at the time included drizzle and low cloud cover, conditions that could have contributed to the crash.

Shocking Footage Captures Final Seconds

Nearby security cameras captured the jet crashing into a field, exploding in a massive fireball. KSLA News 12 shared the footage, showing flames spreading rapidly and thick black smoke rising into the sky.

Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. Golfers at Lakewood Golf Club watched debris rain down across the course. “We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” said Joshua Green.

Residents on Airport Road saw the smoke and flames. “At first, it was just a flame, then black smoke,” said James Jones. “I thought it was a house.”

Witnesses Recall Horror

Alex Etman, living near the airport, described the crash as “spooky” because flights over his neighborhood usually felt routine. Michael Wingo, standing on his porch, felt the heat of the explosion. He called 911, shaken by how close the plane came to his home.

Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene, battling flames and securing the wreckage.

Aviation Expert Points to Possible Engine Trouble

Greg Feith, former senior air safety investigator for the NTSB, suggested early flight data indicates engine problems. “Pilots can land with one engine, but a severe failure can lead to total loss of control,” he explained.

Feith added that investigators will study the flight timeline, crew actions, and maintenance records to determine the cause.

Tributes Pour in for Biffle and His Family

The racing community and fans have expressed heartbreak over the loss. Garrett Mitchell, a close friend, revealed the family had been en route to visit him. Fellow NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer remembered Biffle as a skilled racer and devoted family man.

Congressman Tim Moore praised Biffle for his off-track contributions, including support for local hurricane recovery efforts. NASCAR honored Biffle as a champion and extended condolences to all affected families.

Another Aviation Tragedy in South Africa

Just weeks earlier, South African TV host Mynie Steffens died in a helicopter crash during a crop-spraying mission on November 10. Steffens, 43, was piloting the aircraft alone when it hit power lines and crashed in Roodegrond Farm, Eastern Cape.

Investigators confirmed the helicopter was heavily damaged and will release a preliminary report within 30 days. Exec Ops ARO, a private security firm, assisted alongside emergency responders, offering condolences but withholding further details.

Steffens was celebrated for her work in television, culinary arts, and lifestyle programming. Her longtime co-host, Aldi van der Walt, described her loss as a “massive shock” and praised her creativity and spirit.