Statesville, NC – A holiday card sent out by NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family has unexpectedly arrived at the homes of friends and family members following a devastating plane crash last week. The heartwarming message, featuring Biffle, his wife Cristina, their teenage daughter Emma, and their young son Ryder, was shared publicly by Ron Herbert, owner of the Red Rocks Cafe in Huntersville, North Carolina, a close associate of Biffle.
The holiday card, reading “We hope that you are able to slow down and enjoy the magic and joy that this season has to offer. We hope you have a great New Year! Sending love, Greg, Cristina, Emma & Ryder,” arrived after Biffle’s plane crashed upon landing at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday, December 18th. The aircraft had turned around and was attempting to land back at the airport for unknown reasons, roughly 15 minutes after takeoff.
Sadly, Biffle and his entire family, along with pilot Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and NASCAR motorhome driver Craig Wadsworth, perished in the accident. Three other passengers were also killed upon impact.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. “Our representative with the National Transportation Safety Board disaster assistance division is continuing to work with the family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this accident,” stated board member Michael Graham. “And I want to thank the family members who have been assisting our team during this terrible time.”
Early indications suggest the aircraft was stable on approach, with landing lights activated, but was coming in low. Aviation attorney Dan Rose estimates the final NTSB report could take nearly two years, though he noted the high profile of the case might expedite the process. “As somebody who looks at these all the time, you can read between the lines and see generally which way the investigation is going. Is it going mechanical? Is it going pilot error? Is it going weather? That kind of thing,” Rose stated.
The NTSB has issued a preliminary report within the first few weeks, but anticipates a more comprehensive investigation timeline.