NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
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 has released photos of the crash site of Greg Biffle’s Cessna C550. (Courtesy NTSB)
The plane took off Thursday morning from Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, but was diverted to Statesville and crashed during an attempted landing, authorities confirmed.
An image of the wreckage from Greg Biffle’s plane crash released by the National Transportation Safety Board. (Courtesy 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 around 10:05 a.m. ET and began turning back toward the airport five minutes after takeoff.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
The plane crashed approximately 10 minutes after takeoff.
Wreck of Greg Biffle’s Cessna C550. (Courtesy NTSB)
Biffle and his wife Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, who were all on board. during the fatal accident 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 were not informed. not able to verify that Friday who was piloting the plane.
“This is the beginning of a very long process, and we will not jump to any conclusions while we are here in North Carolina, nor will we jump to any conclusions,” Graham said of the investigation.
The fatal accident caused a outpouring of sympathy and prayers from across the country.
President Donald Trump praised Biffle as a “great young man” Friday at a rally in North Carolina.
GREG BIFFLE’S WIFE SENT A WORRYING TEXT MESSAGE BEFORE PLANE CRASHED
“I also want to express my condolences to the people of this state,” Trump said. “And to those close to NASCAR legend Greg Bifflewho died yesterday in a tragic plane crash with his family in Statesville.
“I met him twice. He was just a wonderful young man and what a tragedy this is for his whole family. So, I just want to give him our condolences, our love. I’ll tell you, North Carolina, we’ll never forget them. Him and his family were incredible people.”
North Carolina political figuresincluding Gov. Josh Stein, Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. 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 released a statement memorializing 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 fans and fellow competitors have had a lasting impact on the sport.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity have earned him championships in the NASCAR help citizens of North Carolina during the disasters following Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives. »
