Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle among 7 dead in N.C. plane crash

A business jet carrying seven people, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and members of his family, crashed Thursday at an airport in North Carolina, killing everyone aboard, authorities said.

The Cessna C550 erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 72 kilometres north of Charlotte.

Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle.

"Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane," state police said.

He was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and their children, Ryder and Emma. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR's three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

NASCAR said it was devastated by the news.

"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."

The plane took off from the airport, bound for Florida, shortly after 10 a.m. local time but then returned and was attempting to land there, according to tracking data posted by FlightAware.com.

Golfers playing next to the airport were shocked as they witnessed the disaster, even dropping to the ground at the Lakewood Golf Club while the plane was overhead. The ninth hole was