Inside the Tragedy That Killed NASCAR Champion Greg Biffle and His Family — and the Chilling Last Text From His Wife
Updated with NTSB investigation developments and comprehensive context.
In the hours and days after the crash, investigators and loved ones began piecing together the final moments of the flight. One detail stood out — Cristina Biffle sent a chilling text message to her mother just minutes before the plane went down, a final message that would haunt both family and fans.
A Family Trip That Turned to Tragedy
What Happened That Morning
The Biffle family and three others departed from Statesville Regional Airport, departing on a Cessna Citation business jet for what was meant to be a celebratory birthday trip to Florida and ultimately the Bahamas. Shortly after takeoff at around 10:00 a.m. local time, the aircraft began to turn back toward the airport under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Then, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the plane crashed near the runway threshold and erupted in flames on impact. All seven people on board were pronounced dead.
The Chilling Final Text: “We’re in Trouble”
In the weeks following the crash, Cristina Biffle’s mother, Cathy Grossu, spoke with People magazine and revealed what was — heartbreakingly — her daughter’s final message. Cristina had texted her mother from the plane, simply writing:
“We’re in trouble.”
That was the entirety of the communication — no context, no explanation, just those four words sent from high above, indicating fear, urgency, or perhaps confusion in the final moments before disaster struck.
“She texted me from the plane and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it. So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.”
That message, brief as it was, provided a haunting snapshot of the panic and uncertainty aboard the jet, capturing a moment of crisis that no loved one should ever experience.
Who Was Onboard? A Closer Look at the Victims
All seven people on the plane were killed in the accident. They included:
Greg Biffle (55) – Retired NASCAR driver and one of the sport’s most respected figures.
Cristina Grossu Biffle (35) – Greg’s wife and mother to their young son.
Ryder Biffle (5) – Their son.
Dennis Dutton – Private pilot who held the necessary type rating for the jet.
Jack Dutton – Dennis’s son and a pilot licensed for single‑engine aircraft.
Craig Wadsworth – Friend of the family and longtime NASCAR community member.
The Biffles weren’t alone. Dennis Dutton, a retired airline pilot, was aboard with his son. Initial reports indicated questions about who was at the controls at various points in the flight — a matter the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still examining.
Greg Biffle: More Than a Racer
NASCAR Legacy
Greg Biffle’s career was storied. He won championships in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity (then Busch) Series before scoring multiple wins in the top NASCAR Cup Series. He was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, celebrated not just for his victories but for his fierce competitive spirit and character.
After retiring from full‑time competition, Biffle remained involved in racing and community work. He was widely respected by peers and fans alike — not only for his achievements on the track but for his humanitarian efforts, particularly following Hurricane Helene in 2024, when he used his helicopter to help deliver aid to remote communities.
Investigations: What We Know So Far
In the weeks after the crash, the NTSB recovered the plane’s cockpit voice recorder and began a detailed investigation to piece together what went wrong. Some key points emerging from early updates include:
Pilot Situation
Dennis Dutton was the only person aboard fully certified to fly the aircraft model, though FAA regulations typically require two pilots with type ratings in this kind of jet.
Greg Biffle and Jack Dutton, though licensed pilots, lacked the specific type rating necessary to serve as a second‑in‑command on this model.
It remains unclear exactly who was controlling the plane in the moments before the crash.
Flight Behavior
The jet made an unexpected return toward the airport shortly after takeoff.
Radar and witness data show the aircraft’s speed and altitude fluctuated during the brief flight.
Video and reports indicate the plane may have struck runway approach lights before the fatal impact.
No Mayday Call
Despite radio recordings being part of the investigation, investigators say they aren’t aware of any official mayday calls from the flight crew before the crash, possibly making Cristina’s text even more significant as evidence of trouble.
The NTSB continues its meticulous work, which could take many months or longer before issuing a final report detailing technical causes and contributing factors.
The Final Moments: Timeline Reconstruction
While definitive timelines remain under review, the sequence of events appears to be:
Around 10:00 a.m. — The private Cessna Citation departs from Statesville Regional Airport.
Minutes After Takeoff — The aircraft begins an unexpected turn back toward the airport.
Shortly After — Cristina Biffle sends her last text to her mother: “We’re in trouble.”
About 10:15 a.m. — The plane crashes near the runway threshold, resulting in a fiery impact with no survivors.
Loved Ones Remembered
The deaths of Greg, Cristina and their children sent shockwaves through the motorsports community and beyond. NASCAR officials described the loss as “devastating,” emphasizing both Greg’s legacy as a driver and his contributions as a humanitarian.
Friends, colleagues, and fans expressed grief and remembrance on social media, recalling Greg’s generosity, competitive spirit, and warmth. Many also highlighted how the Biffles were deeply engaged in life, family, and community — qualities that made the loss especially poignant.
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