NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, family killed in plane crash
STATESVILLE, N.C. (WCNC) — Several people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, were killed when a plane crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, Iredell County officials confirmed.
Statesville Regional Airport confirmed an "aircraft incident" at approximately 10:15 a.m. In a Facebook post, the airport said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will lead the crash investigation. Statesville officials confirmed the airport will be closed until further notice while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene.
Garrett Mitchell, whose internet personality is Cleetus McFarland, confirmed that Biffle, along with his wife, Cristina and two children, were on the plane. Mitchell said the family was flying down to Florida to visit him. McFarland and Biffle became friends when Biffle organized flights to carry relief supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in western North Carolina.
"Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane," Mitchell posted on Facebook. "Because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I'm so sorry to share this."
FAA registration indicates the plane's tail number, N257BW, is owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Officials have not provided any details on who may have been on board the plane.
The Iredell County Sheriff confirmed to WFMY News 2 that several people are dead in the crash. The sheriff did not provide any details regarding the victims' identities. The plane was en route to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport before it crashed. Paul L. Hoback Jr. issued the following statement on the crash:
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the Cessna C550 aircraft crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina and enroute to SRQ this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board and with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts also go out to the first responders who we know are diligently working to assist all those involved."
Statesville City Manager Ron Smith confirmed that local, state and federal organizations are on the scene.
"Everybody is here on site at this point and we anticipate this will be going for quite some time," Smith said.
Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich shared an animation of the flight path. The plane immediately turned around and tried to land. It crashed while attempting to land back at the airport.
