Pilot and Meteorologist JP Dice joins FOX Weather to share his expertise on the devastating situation in North Carolina, where a plane crashed while landing.
STATESVILLE, N.C. – A plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in Iredell County, North Carolina, claimed the lives of retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife and two young children on Thursday, officials said.
The Cessna C550 crashed while landing at the regional airport around 10:15 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the area was experiencing some poor weather with a drizzle that turned into heavy rain. Initial reports show visibility was at five miles, but quickly changed to 2.5 miles. Estimates show that visibility could have been even less.
Emergency responders are at the scene of a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. Reports indicate there were fatalities.
Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-9th District) mourned the loss of the family, saying, “They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”
When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina, Biffle flew missions in his private helicopter delivering much-needed supplies and saving lives after the disaster.
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were fatalities, and that the Mobile Command Unit has been deployed to the scene to support investigators.
According to FAA records, the plane is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, which is managed by Biffle.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is launching a team to investigate the fatal crash.
A media briefing is expected to be held by the NTSB on Friday, although a time and place has yet to be announced.
This is a developing story. Stay with FOX Weather for more information as it becomes available.
Hurricane Relief Efforts
Biffle made headlines for his extensive lifesaving efforts after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, which earned him the 2024 National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers Award.
Recognized for his humanitarian efforts off the racetrack, the retired NASCAR driver used his personal helicopter to deliver aid to remote victims entirely cut off due to extensive flooding.
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – JUNE 18: Greg Biffle with his children during the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at Five Flags Speedway on June 18, 2022 in Pensacola, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/SRX/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman/SRX/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Biffle’s unselfish efforts as part of Operation Helidrop spearheaded NASCAR’s mobilization to help those who desperately needed food, water, medicine, clothing and housing,” the award press release said.
In one instance, while flying his helicopter in October 2024 in a mountainous area in North Carolina surveying the destruction caused by Helene, an individual in need used a mirror to signal Biffle’s helicopter.
After six attempts, Biffle’s chopper successfully landed and provided the victim with essential supplies including EpiPens, insulin, gas, formula, food and other necessities.
“The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were,” Rep. Hudson said.
