> At a Glance
> – Newly released 911 calls capture witnesses’ terror after Greg Biffle’s jet crashed on Dec. 18
> – All seven aboard-including the NASCAR driver, his wife, two kids, and three others-died
> – NTSB is still probing why the Cessna Citation 550 went down in rain and fog at Statesville Regional Airport
> – Why it matters: The recordings give the first public account of the final moments that ended a racing family’s life
Chilling 911 audio obtained by News Of Los Angeles on Jan. 7 lets listeners hear how bystanders reacted the moment Greg Biffle’s plane fell from the sky and burst into flames.
The Calls
A caller on the airport tarmac reported: “We have a plane crash at the end of runway 28 and a big fire … a lot of black smoke.”
Two golfers phoned in as well:
- “I watched them come over the fairway and crash,” one said from his course.
- “It flew right over our heads, split the tree line, went straight downwards-huge explosion,” the other told dispatchers from Lakewood Golf Club.
An additional airport caller described: “A pretty good-size fireball … whoever was on board probably did not make it. There’s nobody alive.”
Victims & Flight Path
The Cessna Citation 550 carried seven people:
| Name | Age | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Biffle | 55 | NASCAR driver, registered owner |
| Cristina Grossu Biffle | 35 | Wife |
| Ryder | 5 | Son |
| Emma | 14 | Daughter |
| Craig Wadsworth | 64 | NASCAR motor-home driver |
| Dennis Dutton | 67 | Commercial airline pilot |
| Jack Dutton | 20 | Auburn aviation student |
FlightAware data shows the jet departed Statesville-an airfield with no control tower-headed for Sarasota, Fla., then turned back minutes later while attempting to land.
Investigation Status
The NTSB has not yet determined who was at the controls. Member Michael Graham said three passengers held pilot certificates, but investigators have not confirmed which one was flying.
Weather records note fog and heavy rain blanketed the area when the aircraft went down shortly after 10 a.m.
Key Takeaways
- Newly released audio captures immediate witness reactions to the fiery crash
- All seven passengers, including Greg Biffle and his family, died at the scene
- The NTSB continues to examine weather, pilot identity, and mechanical factors
- The tragedy unfolded as the jet tried to return to the airport minutes after takeoff
The probe remains active as officials work to pinpoint what caused the fatal accident.
