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Photos released by the National Transportation Safety Board show the wreckage of the plane crash that took the lives of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and his family.
The plane departed Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Thursday morning but was diverted back to Statesville and crashed during a landing attempt, authorities confirmed.
The seven-person flight was making its way to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed. NTSB Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker said the plane took off at approximately 10:05 a.m. ET and began to turn back to the airport five minutes after takeoff.
The plane crashed roughly 10 minutes after departure.
Biffle and wife Cristina shared a daughter, Emma, 14, and a 5-year-old son, Ryder, all of whom were on board during the deadly crash along with Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton and Craig Wadsworth, a statement from the victims’ families confirmed.
NTSB board member Michael Graham told reporters Friday three people aboard the Cessna C550 were licensed pilots, but officials were not able to verify as of Friday who was piloting the plane.
“This is the beginning of a very long process, and we will not jump to any conclusions while on scene here in North Carolina, nor will we jump to any conclusions,” Graham said of the investigation.
The deadly crash prompted an outpouring of sympathy and prayers from across the country.
President Donald Trump commended Biffle as a “great young man” Friday at a rally in North Carolina.
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“I also want to express my condolences to the people of this state,” Trump said. “And to the loved ones of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who perished yesterday in a tragic plane crash with his family in Statesville.
“I met him twice. He was just a great young man and what a tragedy that is with his whole family. So, I just want to pay our condolences, our love. I’ll tell you, North Carolina, we’ll never forget them. He and his family were incredible people.”
North Carolina political figures, including Gov. Josh Stein, Rep. Pat Harrigan and Rep. Richard Hudson, weighed in after learning Biffle and his family were among the seven victims in the plane crash. Gov. Stein described the loss as “heartbreaking” and recalled Biffle’s selfless response after the state was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon and other racers expressed condolences on social media, and the organization released a statement commemorating Biffle.
“Greg was more than a champion driver. He was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many,” NASCAR said in a statement. “His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
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“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.”
Fox News Digital’s Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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