Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family die in North Carolina plane crash
An Cessna Citation II plane crashed into Statesville Regional Airport, into Carolina from Norte, this Thursday, December 18, 2025, at around 10:15 am local time.
The private jet, registered to a company linked to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, took off from the airport and attempted to return for landing minutes later, but ended up crashing.
Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities at the scene, and reports indicate that Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu and children were on board.
The accident generated a large fire, with emergency teams acting quickly to contain the flames.
Biffle, 55, has competed for more than two decades in NASCAR.
He won titles in the Truck Series in 2000 and the Xfinity Series in 2002, being one of the few drivers to win championships in two national divisions.
In Cup Series, he accumulated 19 victories in 515 races, highlighted by his second place in the 2005 championship.
The pilot mainly defended the Roush Fenway Racing, current RFK Racing.
Career marked by achievements
Greg Biffle began his career in NASCAR in the late 1990s.
Recommended by Benny Parsons to Jack Roush, he quickly made a name for himself in the lower divisions.
In 2000, he won the Truck Series championship with five victories.
The following year, he was rookie of the year at Xfinity Series.
Legacy on the tracks
Biffle transitioned to Cup Series full-time in 2003.
He recorded victories on a variety of circuits, including Dover and Kansas.
He was a regular in the playoffs and was named one of the 75 greatest drivers in NASCAR history in 2023.
His last race in Cup was in 2016, but he has made sporadic appearances thereafter.
Recent activities
After reducing competitions, Biffle became involved in humanitarian actions.
In 2024, he used his helicopter to assist victims of hurricane Helene in Carolina of Norte, delivering supplies to isolated areas.
Received Myers Brothers Award for the contribution.
He also worked as a private pilot, with his license obtained in March 2025.
Ongoing: a Citation crashed in N. Carolina (US). There were 6 aboard, 5 confirmed deaths. First reports by state jet were trying to return to follow an issue after take-off from Statesville Reg. Airport. Jet (“N257BW”) was owned by former NASCAR driverpic.twitter.com/eRHgIXkmdh
—Air Safety #OTD by Francisco Cunha (@OnDisasters)December 18, 2025
Accident details
The Cessna C550 took off from Statesville airport in the morning.
Flight records show an immediate return attempt.
The aircraft crashed during the landing maneuver, resulting in an explosion.
- Investigation involves the FAA and the NTSB.
- NTSB personnel arrived on scene for analysis.
- Briefing scheduled for the following day.
Airport context
Statesville Regional Airport serves corporate aviation.
Located near Charlotte, serves NASCAR teams.
The incident occurred in an area close to the main runway.
Local authorities cordoned off the perimeter for rescue operations.
Main titles of Biffle
- Champion Truck Series: 2000
- Champion Xfinity Series: 2002
- Wins at Cup Series: 19
- Top 10 in the Cup championship: six times
These numbers consolidate his position among NASCAR’s greats.
Personal life and family
Biffle has been married to Cristina Grossu since 2023.
The couple had a young son, Ryder.
He also had a daughter from a previous relationship, Emma.
The family lived in the region of Charlotte, common among NASCAR drivers.
Initial repercussion
The NASCAR community expressed dismay at the news.
Close friends confirmed the family’s presence on the flight.
Investigations continue to determine the exact causes of the accident.
The case highlights the risks of private aviation among sports figures.
