Shocking video captured the moment NASCAR racer Greg Biffle’s small plane exploded into a fireball as it crashed on an airport runway, killing the pro driver along with his wife, kids and three family friends.
CCTV footage shows the Cessna 500 completely engulfed in flames, barreling down the runway at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning. The plane finally comes to a rest, engulfed in thick black smoke.
Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, and their two kids — daughter Emma, 14, and son Ryder, 5 — all died in the crash along with Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton and Dutton’s son, Jack.
All seven were headed to Florida for a birthday trip, according to family members
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the families impacted by the crash said in a joint statement provided to My Fox 8.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives,” they added.
Biffle owned the plane that crashed at the airport, frequently used by NASCAR drivers and Fortune 500 companies, just before 10:30 a.m.
Cristina had texted her mom, Cathy Grossu, “We’re in trouble” just before the crash, People magazine reported.
Biffle, affectionately known by his fans as “The Biff,” enjoyed a strong racing career that earned him a NASCAR Hall of Fame nomination, along with a spot on NASCAR’s list of its 75 greatest drivers.
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emaa, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,” the organization told The Post in a statement.
“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. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.”
The semi-retired speedster was also widely known for his humanitarian efforts, and made national headlines last year when he fearlessly flew his personal helicopter to save a person stranded in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene.
His actions earned him the National Motorsports Press Association’s Myers Brother Award, which honors those who contribute to stock car racing.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
