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Photos released by the National Transportation Safety Board show the wreckage of the plane crash that claimed the lives of 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 departed 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.
An image of the wreckage of Greg Biffle’s plane crash released by the National Transportation Safety Board. (Courtesy of NTSB)
The seven-person flight was headed to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed. 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 about 10 minutes after departure.
Remains of Greg Biffle’s Cessna C550. (Courtesy of NTSB)
Biffle and his wife Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, all of whom were on board. during the fatal accident along with Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth, confirmed a statement from the victims’ families.
NTSB board member Michael Graham told reporters Friday that three people aboard the Cessna C550 were licensed pilots, but officials cannot be verified as on Friday who was piloting the plane.
“This is the beginning of a very long process, and we will not draw any conclusions while we are on the scene here in North Carolina, nor will we draw any conclusions,” Graham said of the investigation.
The fatal accident caused a outpouring of sympathy and prayers from all over the country.
President donald trump praised Biffle as a “great young man” Friday at a rally in North Carolina.
GREG BIFFLE’S WIFE SENT CONCERNING TEXT MESSAGES 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 a great young man and what a tragedy this is for his entire family. So I just want to offer our condolences and our love. I’ll tell you, North Carolina, we will never forget you. He and his family were incredible people.”
North Carolina political figuresincluding Governor Josh Stein, Representative Pat Harrigan and Representative Richard Hudson, intervened 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 their condolences on social media and the organization issued a statement commemorating Biffle.
“Greg was more than a champion driver. He was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor and a friend to many,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity and his commitment to both fans and his fellow competitors had a lasting impact on the sport.
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“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR helping citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. “His tireless work saved lives.”
