Distressing 911 calls have been made public, offering a harrowing glimpse into the immediate aftermath of the December plane crash that claimed the lives of retired NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, his family, and three other individuals. The recordings, released by TMZ on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, capture the panic and shock of witnesses as they reported the fiery accident at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
The Frantic Emergency Calls
One caller, situated at a nearby golf course, reported witnessing a "huge explosion" after seeing the Cessna C550 aircraft crash into a tree line and onto the runway. The dispatcher urgently advised the individual not to approach the dangerous scene, assuring them that emergency crews were en route.
Another person, who was at the airport, described a "big fire" erupting at the end of the runway. In the chaotic moments, this caller attempted to estimate the number of people who might have been on board the ill-fated flight as the dispatcher gathered critical information.
A third caller, identified as an airport worker, insisted that the facility needed to be shut down immediately. Yet another witness reported being a mere 200 yards from the crash site when they placed their desperate call for help.
Details of the Fatal Flight
The tragedy unfolded on December 18, 2025, just before 10:30 a.m. The Cessna C550 burst into flames upon crashing during an attempted landing. Flight data indicates the plane took off from Statesville airport and "immediately turned around and tried to land," meeting disaster on its return.
The victims of the crash were identified as Greg Biffle, 55; his wife, Cristina; their 14-year-old daughter, Emma; and their 5-year-old son, Ryder. Also killed were family friends Craig Wadsworth, Dennis Dutton, and Dutton’s son, Jack.
The group was reportedly headed to Florida for a birthday trip, with Biffle set to celebrate his 56th birthday on December 23. The news was first confirmed publicly by auto racing personality Garrett Mitchell, known online as Cleetus McFarland, a family friend who was expecting to meet them.
A Haunting Final Message
In a heartbreaking revelation, Cristina Biffle’s mother, Cathy Grossu, shared with People magazine that her daughter sent a final, ominous text from the plane. "She texted me from the plane and she said, 'We’re in trouble.' And that was it," Grossu stated. "So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted."
Remembering a Community Hero
Beyond his NASCAR legacy, which included wins in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, Greg Biffle was known in his North Carolina community for his philanthropy and acts of service. He was a registered pilot who used his helicopter to deliver critical supplies to Western North Carolina in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
His charitable efforts, particularly focused on animal welfare through the Greg Biffle Foundation, were widely recognized. U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson paid tribute, calling the Biffles "friends who lived their lives focused on helping others." He noted on social media that "The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions" following the hurricane.
The release of the 911 calls adds a new, visceral layer of understanding to the tragedy that stunned the racing world and local community, underscoring the sudden and terrifying nature of the accident that ended seven lives.
