The 1981 Cessna 550, registered to a company linked to former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, lifted off Thursday morning around 10:15 a.m. local time, flew about five miles, then turned back amid reports of a loud boom.
Biffle, his wife, daughter, and son have died in a plane crash in North Carolina, according to YouTuber Garrett Mitchell.
Mitchell says the Biffle family was headed to spend the afternoon with him.
“Unfortunately, I can confirm Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder were on that plane… because they were on their way to spend the afternoon with us. We are devastated. I’m so sorry to share this,” he said on Facebook.
Sheriff Darren Campbell confirmed multiple deaths, while the FAA and NTSB investigate at the uncontrolled airport under low clouds and possible rain; Biffle was remembered for his recent Hurricane Helene relief flights in 2024 by flying helicopters to hard-to-reach areas to deliver supplies and resources.
Biffle was named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers in 2023.