At Vogue Vocal, we’ve covered our share of heartbreaking headlines—but this one hits hard. The Plane Crash Alert erupted after PEOPLE obtained four separate 911 calls revealing the chaotic minutes after NASCAR star Greg Biffle’s Cessna Citation 550 went down at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, shortly after 10 a.m. Witnesses reported heavy black smoke, a fireball and an explosion near Runway 28. The plane was attempting to land after turning back en route to Sarasota, Florida.
The crash killed all seven people aboard. That includes Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, 35, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and Greg’s 14-year-old daughter Emma. Also on the flight were Craig Wadsworth, 64, a familiar name in NASCAR circles, commercial pilot Dennis Dutton, 67, and his 20-year-old son Jack, an aviation student at Auburn University. The loss is staggering—and personal.
The plane crash alert intensified as callers described what they saw. One woman at the airport told dispatchers there was “a big fire” and “a lot of black smoke.” Two others called from the nearby golf courses. One said the jet flew over the fairway and crashed. Another, calling from Lakewood Golf Club, reported the plane splitting the treeline before a “huge explosion.” A final caller didn’t mince words: the jet was “fully engulfed”—no survivors.
Flight data shows the jet departed a non towered airport to Sarasota, Fla., turned back minutes later and crashed while landing. Weather likely played a role. Officials noted fog and heavy rain in the area. The NTSB confirmed that three occupants held pilot licenses but investigators have not determined who was flying at the time. As of now, the plane crash alert remains under active investigation.
We at Vogue Vocal are shaken. This wasn’t just a crash—it was a family tragedy that rocked motorsports and aviation alike. If you’re feeling unsettled, you’re not alone. The raw 911 audio strips away headlines and leaves us with the human cost. The depth of this loss was felt deeply on January 16, 2026 as hundreds gathered at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum for a public memorial to honor the seven lives lost.
For us, Greg wasn’t just a titan on the track; he was a hero in the skies long before this tragedy. His tireless efforts delivering aid via helicopter to western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene showed a man whose heart was as big as his legacy. We remember not just the driver, but the humanitarian.
The plane crash alert will continue as the NTSB examines wreckage, weather data, and flight operations. Answers take time. Accountability matters. And remembrance matters most.
What caused Greg Biffle’s plane crash?
The cause remains unknown. The NTSB is investigating weather, aircraft data and pilot factors.
Where did the crash happen?
At Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, near Runway 28.
Was anyone saved from the crash?
No. All seven individuals on board lost their lives.
What type of aircraft crashed?
A Cessna Citation 550 private business jet.
Why is the 911 audio significant?
It provides real-time eyewitness accounts describing smoke, fire, and an explosion.
Is the NTSB investigating the plane crash?
Yes, the NTSB is leading the investigation into the North Carolina crash.
Did the weather affect the plane crash?
Officials cited fog and heavy rain as present during the attempted landing.
Did the airport have air traffic control?
No, Statesville Regional Airport does not have a control tower.
Who owned the aircraft?
The jet was registered to Greg Biffle.
Will more details be released?
Officials expect to release more details as the investigation progresses.
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