Key Takeaways
- A plane crash occurred at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, resulting in several deaths
- The plane was owned by former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who was on board with his family
- Other victims included Craig Wadsworth, a longtime figure in the NASCAR community
- The cause of the crash is still under investigation by local, state, and federal authorities
- The airport has been closed until further notice
Introduction to the Incident
The Iredell County sheriff confirmed that several people were killed in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday. The plane, which belonged to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, crashed at approximately 10:15 a.m., according to airport officials. The airport has been closed until further notice while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene. Sources close to Biffle’s family confirmed that he, along with his wife Cristina and two children, were on the plane, which was headed to Florida to visit internet personality Cleetus McFarland.
Victims of the Crash
Garrett Mitchell, also known as Cleetus McFarland, confirmed on Facebook that Biffle, his wife, and two children were on the plane. Mitchell and Biffle became friends after Biffle organized flights to carry relief supplies to Hurricane Helene victims in western North Carolina. Biffle also participated in several of Mitchell’s racing events. Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace also posted that Craig Wadsworth, a longtime figure in the NASCAR community, was on the plane. Wadsworth had driven Wallace’s motorhome for six years, and Wallace shared a photo of him, saying that his family was "heartbroke" over the news.
Investigation and Response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registration indicates that the plane’s tail number, N257BW, is owned by GB Aviation Leasing, a company owned by Greg Biffle. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a news conference on Friday to provide updates on the investigation. Local, state, and federal organizations are on the scene, including the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the Statesville Police Department, and the FAA. Statesville City Manager Ron Smith confirmed that the scene is being worked on by multiple agencies, and that the investigation is expected to take some time.
Flight Path and Weather Conditions
According to Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich, the plane immediately turned around and tried to land after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport. The plane crashed while attempting to land back at the airport. Panovich shared an animation of the flight path on social media, showing the plane’s trajectory before it crashed. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but investigators are working to determine the factors that contributed to the accident.
Reaction and Support
The community is in shock over the news of the plane crash, and many are offering their condolences to the families of the victims. Paul L. Hoback Jr. issued a statement on behalf of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, where the plane was headed, saying that their "thoughts and prayers are with those on board and with their families and loved ones during this difficult time." The Statesville Regional Airport has been closed until further notice, and the NTSB will provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport is a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of several lives. As the investigation continues, more information will become available about the cause of the crash and the circumstances surrounding it. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims, and the NTSB will work to determine the factors that contributed to the accident. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for continued vigilance in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.