Statesville, North Carolina – Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their two children died Thursday when a business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. All seven people on board the aircraft were killed. The tragic incident also claimed the lives of Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. T^[1][2][3][4]he Cessna C550 jet was heading to Florida when it crashed shortly after takeoff. ^[1][5][6][4]### Details of the Tragic Flight The Cessna C550 business jet departed Statesville Regional Airport, located about 45 miles north of Charlotte, shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday. F^[1][6][4]light records indicate the plane was bound for Florida. H^[1][5][6][4]owever, the aircraft soon attempted to return to the airport and land. T^[1][3][4]he plane crashed at approximately 10:15 a.m. ET, roughly 10 minutes after its initial departure. ^[2][5]The jet impacted trees, two light stanchions, and an airport perimeter fence before coming to a stop just short of the runway threshold. U^[5]pon impact, the Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire. I^[1][3][6][4]nvestigators reported that fire consumed most of the inboard fuselage. T^[5]he debris field from the crash stretched at least 1,800 feet. W^[5]eather conditions at the time of the crash included drizzle and cloudy skies. O^[3][7]fficials have not reported any Mayday calls from the aircraft. G^[5]olfers playing at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club witnessed the disaster, with some reportedly dropping to the ground as the plane was overhead. D^[6][8]ebris from the crash covered the ninth hole of the golf course. ^[1]### Victims Identified, Community Mourns The crash resulted in the deaths of all seven occupants. The victims were identified as Greg Biffle, 55, his wife Cristina, their 14-year-old daughter Emma, and their 5-year-old son Ryder. A^{[1][2][3][4][8]}lso killed were Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth. ^{[1][2][3][4][8]}The families of those involved released a joint statement expressing their profound grief. "We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones," the statement read. "This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words." T^[2][3][4][8]he statement highlighted Greg and Cristina Biffle as "devoted parents and active philanthropists" whose lives centered around their children. I^[2][3][7]t also noted that Dennis Dutton and his son Jack were "deeply loved." ^[2][9]NASCAR issued a statement expressing its sorrow over the loss. "NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash," the organization stated. N^[2]ASCAR remembered Biffle as "more than a champion driver." T^{[1][2][6][4][8]}he statement described him as "a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many." N^{[1][2][6][4][8]}ASCAR praised his "passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike." ^{[1][2][6][4][8]}Greg Biffle had a distinguished career in NASCAR, winning more than 50 races across the sport's three circuits. T^{[1][6][10][4][8]}his included 19 victories at the Cup Series level. H^{[1][6][10][4][8]}e secured the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002. B^{[1][2][6][10][4][8]}iffle was also recognized as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers. C^[2][3][7]raig Wadsworth, another victim, had previously assisted Biffle in humanitarian relief efforts. ^[9]### Investigation Underway The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the crash. T^[9][11]he Cessna C550 jet was registered to a company owned by Biffle. I^{[1][3][6][10][4][8]}nvestigators are working to determine who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. F^[2][9][3][8]ederal records show that three people on board held active pilot's licenses, including Greg Biffle and Dennis Dutton, an airline transport pilot. D^[2][5][8]ennis Dutton's son, Jack, had recently obtained a single-engine pilot certification. ^[5]NTSB investigators are currently reviewing various data sources to piece together the events leading to the crash. This includes weather data, video footage from the area, statements from witnesses, and audio recordings. O^[5]fficials noted that the plane, manufactured in 1981, was in the air for approximately 10 minutes. T^[2][5]hey are specifically examining why the plane turned around nearly five minutes after takeoff. B^[2]oth engines were found with the main wreckage, according to investigators. T^[5]he NTSB has urged anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses video footage of the incident to share it with investigators to aid their understanding of the event. ^[5]The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the precise cause of the devastating crash. The loss has deeply affected the NASCAR community and the families of all those on board.

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