NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle, wife and relatives die in fiery plane crash

Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, members of his immediate family and an undisclosed number of other passengers were killed when a small private aircraft crashed and burst into flames, authorities said Tuesday. The accident occurred on December 19, 2025, and left no survivors, according to preliminary information released by local officials.

Investigators confirmed that the aircraft caught fire on impact, creating a blaze that emergency crews were unable to extinguish in time to save anyone on board. The exact model of the plane, its flight plan and the total number of occupants have not been publicly detailed. Officials indicated that additional information will be released after next-of-kin notifications are complete and a formal investigation is underway.

In one of the few insights into the final moments before the crash, authorities revealed that Biffle’s wife sent a text message to her mother just moments before the aircraft went down. The content of that message has not been made public, but investigators noted the time stamp as a potential aid in establishing a timeline of events. No distress call was recorded, and it remains unclear whether the passengers or crew were aware of any mechanical difficulties prior to impact.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed primary responsibility for determining the cause of the crash, working in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. As standard procedure, representatives from both agencies arrived at the crash scene to secure the wreckage, document debris patterns and recover the flight data recorder if one was installed. According to the NTSB’s official guidelines, a final report on general aviation accidents often requires several months to complete.

Officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its earliest phase. They declined to discuss possible factors such as weather conditions, pilot experience or maintenance history, stating only that all avenues remain open. Toxicology tests, engine analysis and a review of maintenance logs are expected to form part of the inquiry. A preliminary report summarizing basic facts is usually published within a few weeks of the incident.

News of the crash quickly circulated throughout the NASCAR community. Biffle, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most versatile competitors, earned victories across multiple national series during his career. NASCAR representatives acknowledged the tragedy in a brief statement expressing sympathy for the family but refrained from further comment until more information becomes available.

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Local authorities stated that recovery operations were complicated by the intensity of the post-impact fire. Crews remained on scene for several hours to extinguish hotspots and search the area for evidence. The crash site has been secured to preserve debris for investigators, and public access has been restricted.

Family members of the victims have requested privacy while funeral arrangements are being made. No memorial plans have been announced. Support services are being offered to friends, colleagues and others affected by the loss.

While a definitive cause is still months away, officials urged patience and caution against speculation. They also reminded pilots and aircraft owners to follow all required maintenance schedules and pre-flight checks, noting that most general aviation accidents result from a complex chain of events rather than a single point of failure.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live