Seven deaths have been confirmed after a small plane that took off from Statesville Regional Airport Tuesday morning crashed while it was on its way back to the airport for possibly an emergency landing. The private jet carrying seven people, among them former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family, crashed while, killing all on board, authorities said.
Statesville Regional Airport confirmed an "aircraft incident" at approximately 10:15 a.m. In a Facebook post, the airport said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is en route and will lead the crash investigation. Statesville officials confirmed the airport will be closed until further notice while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene.
The plane was en route to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport but it was going back to Statesville Airport before it crashed.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the Cessna C550 aircraft crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina and enroute to SRQ this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with those on board and with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts also go out to the first responders who we know are diligently working to assist all those involved," Paul L Hoback Jr, CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport said.
The flight path that Cessna 550 took before crash
Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich shared an animation of the flight path. The plane immediately turned around and tried to land. It crashed while attempting to land back at the airport.
Who was Greg Biffle?
A semi-retired professional car racer, 55-year-old Greg Biffle was also a licensed helicopter pilot and known for his humanitarian work durng Hurricane Helene.
Before becoming a full-time Cup Series racer, Biffle won championships in NASCAR’s Truck Series (2000) and Busch Series (2002). He raced full-time in the Cup Series from 2003-16 for team owner Jack Roush. He won 19 races and had six top-10 championship finishes, including a runner-up finish in 2005.
During Helene, he returned to the spotlight as he used his helicopter to reach difficult areas and delivered supplies.
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