A business jet carrying former NASCAR star Greg Biffle crashed shortly after takeoff near Statesville Regional Airport on December 18, 2025, killing all seven people on board. What residents first thought was routine engine noise quickly turned into alarm as the plane went down and erupted into flames. Witnesses described intense heat, fire, and smoke, followed by emergency sirens, realizing within minutes that the incident was a fatal crash rather than normal airport activity.

Federal investigators later confirmed that everyone aboard was killed, including Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children, and three others. The aircraft had departed Statesville Regional Airport bound for Florida before attempting to return amid poor weather. As the investigation continues, the tragedy has deeply affected both the local community and the wider NASCAR world, where Biffle was remembered not only as a champion racer but also as a generous and respected figure.