A plane owned by NASCAR champion Greg Biffle crashed Thursday morning while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, resulting in multiple fatalities, according to federal and local authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash occurred around 10:20 a.m. on Dec. 18 and said an investigation is underway. The Associated Press reported that authorities confirmed fatalities but said law enforcement has not yet officially released the identities of those killed. A witness near Lakewood Golf Club told local station WSOC the aircraft appeared to be flying “way too low” before it went down. WSOC also reported inclement weather in the area, noting its own helicopter was forced to turn back due to limited visibility.
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Shortly after news of the crash broke, Garrett Mitchell, a fellow NASCAR driver and internet personality known as Cleetus McFarland, said on social media that Biffle, his wife and their children were on board the plane.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us,” Mitchell wrote. “We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this.”
Records cited by local outlets WSOC and Fox 8 show Biffle owned the aircraft through GB Aviation Leasing. Biffle, 55, began his NASCAR career in 1995 and was one of only three drivers to win championships in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2001 and a Busch Series championship in 2002.
In recent years, Biffle has also been recognized for humanitarian work, particularly during Hurricane Helene, when he used his personal helicopter to deliver food, water, medicine and supplies to isolated communities cut off by flooding. His efforts drew widespread attention and praise across the motorsports community for providing hands-on disaster relief when road access was impossible.
The tragedy also prompted an emotional response from celebrity evangelist Dylan Novak, who wrote on Instagram that Biffle’s faith was central to his life and service.
Novak wrote that he was “heartbroken” by the loss, describing Biffle as “an outspoken born again Christian” who “lived his faith out loud.” He added that friends in western North Carolina personally told him Biffle went “above and beyond to be the hands and feet of Christ” while helping those in desperate need during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, concluding with a call for prayer for Biffle’s family and loved ones.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
