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Photos released by the National Transportation Safety Board show the wreckage of the plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family.
The National Transportation Safety Board released photos from the crash site of Greg Biffle’s Cessna C550. (Courtesy of NTSB)
The plane left Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday morning but was diverted back to Statesville and crashed during a landing attempt, authorities confirmed.
A picture of wreckage from the Greg Biffle plane crash that was released by the National Transportation Safety Board. (Courtesy of NTSB)
The seven-person plane was en route to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed. The NTSB investigator in charge, Dan Baker, said the plane took off at approximately 10:05 a.m. ET and began returning to the airport five minutes after takeoff.
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The plane crashed approximately 10 minutes after takeoff.
The wreckage of Greg Biffle’s Cessna C550. (Courtesy of NTSB)
Biffle and wife Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who were all on board during the fatal crash along with Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth, a statement from the victims’ families is confirmed.
NTSB board member Michael Graham said Friday that three people aboard the Cessna C550 were licensed pilots, but officials were unable to verify as Friday, who was piloting the plane.
“This is the beginning of a very long process, and we’re not going to jump to any conclusions while we’re on the scene here in North Carolina, nor are we going to jump to any conclusions,” Graham said of the investigation.
The fatal crash got one outpouring of sympathy and prayers from all over the country.
Chairman Donald Trump praised Biffle as a “great young man” Friday at a rally in North Carolina.
GREG BIFFLE’S WIFE SENT A TERRIBLE TEXT MESSAGE MOMENTS BEFORE THE PLANE CRASHED
“I also want to express my condolences to the people of this state,” Trump said. “And to the loved ones of NASCAR legend Greg Bifflewho died yesterday in a tragic plane crash with his family in Statesville.
“I met him twice. He was just an amazing young man and what a tragedy it is with his whole family. So I just want to express our condolences, our love. I want to tell you, North Carolina, we will never forget them. He and his family were incredible people.”
North Carolina political figuresincluding Gov. Josh Stein, Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Richard Hudson, weighed in after learning that Biffle and his family were among the seven victims of the plane crash. Governor Stein described the loss as “heartbreaking” and recalled Biffle’s selfless response after the state was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon and other racers expressed condolences on social media, and the organization released a statement in Biffle’s memory.
“Greg was more than a champion driver. He was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to so many,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
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“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and awards in the NASCAR Cup Series. In addition to his racing career, he gave of himself to better our community. Most notably, Greg’s many hours of his time. help the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.”
