A private jet crash in North Carolina kills seven, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family, officials confirm.
STATESVILLE: A private jet crash in North Carolina has killed all seven people on board, authorities confirmed.
The Cessna Citation C550 crashed shortly after takeoff from Statesville Airport on Thursday.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the aircraft turned back to land before it went down.
Among the deceased was retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, the racing organisation confirmed.
NASCAR described Biffle as one of its 75 greatest drivers, known for his post-career humanitarian work.
Also killed were Biffle’s wife, Cristina Grossu Biffle, and their two children, according to family friend and US Congressman Richard Hudson.
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children,” Hudson posted on social media.
Local media reported adverse weather conditions at the time, including drizzle and low cloud cover.
The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate the crash. – AFP
