Greg Biffle plane crash: Seven killed in North Carolina jet accident

A business jet crash in North Carolina, on the US’ eastern seaboard, has killed all seven aboard, reportedly including a former racing car driver, authorities said.

“There was a total of seven on board, all killed,” Sheriff Darren Campbell told AFP.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the plane had just taken off when it turned back to land before crashing.

The jet left from Statesville airport, north of the city of Charlotte.

Among those reportedly killed was retired Nascar racing driver Greg Biffle, as well as his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle and their two children, according to Republican lawmaker Richard Hudson, a family friend who represents North Carolina in Congress.

“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them. They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others,” Hudson said in a post on social media.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is launching a team to investigate the crash. “The team expects to arrive on scene tonight,” the agency said in a statement.

The aircraft involved, reportedly a Cessna Citation 550 private jet, was believed to be approaching to land at Statesville Regional Airport.

Biffle began his Nascar career in 1995 and was the first of only three drivers to win a championship in both the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.