The North Carolina airport where Greg Biffle and his family died on Thursday, December 18, is an unofficial hub for current and former NASCAR drivers, and it has an eerie connection to a near-tragedy six years ago.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his family flew out of Statesville Regional Airport, headed for Elizabethton, Tennessee in August 2019. The plane experienced a bounced landing at Elizabethton Municipal Airport, approaching the runway at too great a speed. The accident caused the plane’s main landing gear to collapse and the plane caught fire.
Earnhardt, 51, and his family, who was also on board, suffered only minor injuries. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation determined the crash was caused by pilot and co-pilot error.
“Now that you know [the] realities and dangers, it will never be the same again,” Earnhardt Jr. told reporters months after the crash. “It’s something that you’ll never be able to forget…it’ll never block out no matter how many flights you take.”
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With the NASCAR Hall of Fame in nearby Charlotte and the organization having two headquarters in North Carolina, a number of drivers frequent the airport. In addition to Biffle, 55, and Earnhardt, Ryan Newman, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. have all built or leased hangars on the property.
Biffle and six others died when a plane he owned crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, approximately 15 minutes after taking off at 10 a.m. The plane reportedly had turned around to try and return to the airport and crashed upon landing.
The cause of the crash and the reason for turning around has not been revealed yet, but Biffle’s wife, Cristina, texted her mother before the crash to say that something was wrong.
“She texted me from the plane and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it,” her mom, Cathay Grossu, told People on Thursday. “So, we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.”
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Cristina, Greg, their son, Ryder, 5, and Greg’s daughter, Emma, 14, from a previous relationship were among the seven victims who died in the crash. Family friend and NASCAR motorhome driver Craig Wadsworth died as well, along with pilot Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones,” read a joint statement from the families released Thursday afternoon. “This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words. Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma (mother – Nicole Lunders).”
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The statement went on to describe each victim and how their loved ones will remember them.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” the statement continued. “We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
NASCAR released a statement as well, honoring Greg, who was named one of its 75 greatest drivers in 2023.
“The NASCAR family is devastated at the loss of Greg Biffle, who was one of our 75 greatest drivers and became known for his relentless post-career humanitarian work,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest condolences.”
