This article summarizes reporting by AP News.

Retired NASCAR Star Greg Biffle and Six Others Killed in North Carolina Plane Crash

Retired NASCAR driver and champion Greg Biffle was killed on Thursday morning when a private jet registered to his company crashed while attempting an emergency landing in Statesville, North Carolina. According to reporting by AP News and local authorities, the crash claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including Biffle’s wife, his two children, and three family friends.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. ET at Statesville Regional Airport (SVH), located about 45 miles north of Charlotte. The aircraft, a Cessna 550 Citation II, was bound for Florida before intending to continue to the Bahamas. Authorities confirmed that the plane encountered an issue shortly after takeoff and was attempting to return to the runway when the tragedy occurred.

This event has sent shockwaves through the racing community, particularly in the Charlotte area where Biffle was a beloved figure. Beyond his racing accolades, Biffle had recently garnered national attention and praise for his humanitarian efforts in Western North Carolina.

Crash Timeline and Details

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records and local reports, the twin-engine business jet, identified by tail number N257BW, departed Statesville shortly after 10:00 a.m. ET. The flight plan indicated a destination of Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).

Shortly into the flight, the crew reported an emergency, specific details of which are currently under investigation, and requested a return to Statesville. Reports indicate that weather conditions at the time were governed by Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), with low visibility ranging from 1.75 to 5 miles and a low cloud ceiling. Heavy drizzle was also reported in the vicinity.

The aircraft attempted to land on Runway 28 but crashed short of the tarmac. It reportedly crossed a road and a perimeter fence before erupting into flames. Emergency responders arrived on the scene to find no survivors.

Victims and Tributes

Authorities and family representatives have identified the seven victims aboard the aircraft. The passengers included Greg Biffle (55), his wife Cristina Grossu Biffle, their young son Ryder Biffle, and Biffle’s daughter Emma Biffle.

Also on board were Craig Wadsworth, a longtime member of the NASCAR community and close friend of Biffle, as well as family friends Dennis Dutton and his son, Jack Dutton. A joint statement released by the families expressed their profound grief.

“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton.”

— Official NASCAR Statement

A Racing Legend and Humanitarian

Greg Biffle was a titan in American motorsports. Over his career, he secured 19 NASCAR Cup Series victories and was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023. He holds the distinction of being the first driver to win championships in both the Busch (now Xfinity) Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.

AirPro News Analysis: A Legacy Beyond the Track

While Biffle’s statistics on the track are Hall of Fame-worthy, his recent actions defined his character for a broader audience. Following Hurricane Helene in late 2024, Biffle utilized his personal helicopter and piloting skills to fly hundreds of supply and rescue missions into isolated areas of Western North Carolina.

At a time when government resources were stretched, Biffle’s private efforts provided a lifeline to stranded residents. This “unsung hero” narrative makes his sudden loss in an aviation accident particularly poignant. The irony that a man who saved so many through aviation was lost in an air tragedy will likely be a central theme as the community mourns.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a “Go Team” to the crash site to lead the investigation. Investigators will focus on recovering the flight data recorders, analyzing air traffic control communications, and examining the wreckage of the 1981-built airframe.

Key factors likely to be scrutinized include the mechanical status of the legacy aircraft, the nature of the emergency reported by the crew, and the challenging weather conditions present during the attempted return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was piloting the aircraft?
While Greg Biffle was a licensed pilot, it has not been officially confirmed who was at the controls at the time of the crash. Unverified reports suggest Dennis Dutton may have been a pilot, but the NTSB will determine the official crew roles.

What caused the crash?
The cause is currently unknown. The NTSB investigation will determine probable cause, a process that typically takes 12 to 18 months. Early reports cite an emergency return during low-visibility weather.

Was the plane owned by NASCAR?
No. The aircraft was registered to GB Leasing, a company owned by Greg Biffle.

Sources:
AP News,
Federal Aviation Administration,
NASCAR

This article summarizes reporting by Actu Aero and publicly available datas.

First Dassault Falcon 10X Prototype Spotted in Bordeaux, Begins Ground Tests

The first fully assembled prototype of the Dassault Falcon 10X has been observed on the tarmac at the manufacturers’ facility in Bordeaux-Mérignac, marking a pivotal milestone for the French aerospace giant’s flagship program. According to reporting by Actu Aero, the aircraft was spotted on December 12, 2025, signaling the transition from assembly to active physical testing.

This development comes as Dassault Aviation works to bring its largest and most advanced business jet to market. While the company has not yet issued a formal press release regarding a rollout ceremony, the sighting confirms that the aircraft is structurally complete and has begun initial systems evaluation. The Falcon 10X is positioned to compete directly with the ultra-long-range market leaders, the Bombardier Global 7500 and the Gulfstream G700.

Prototype Sighting and Status

The initial report from Actu Aero describes the aircraft as appearing in its “green” protective anti-corrosion coating, a standard condition for airframes before they receive their final livery. The observation provided critical insights into the aircraft’s operational status.

According to the report, the prototype is not merely a static shell; it is “alive.” Observers noted that the auxiliary power unit (APU) was running, evidenced by exhaust emissions, and the aircraft’s anti-collision beacons were active. This indicates that the Falcon 10X’s internal electrical and hydraulic grids are being powered up and tested, a necessary precursor to engine runs and taxi tests.

“The presence of active beacons and exhaust from the APU confirms that the aircraft is ‘alive’…”

, Summary of reporting by Actu Aero

Dassault leadership has previously indicated a preference for letting technical progress dictate the schedule rather than committing to public dates for maiden flights. Consequently, this quiet appearance on the tarmac aligns with the company’s conservative approach to public relations during critical development phases.

Program Timeline and Next Steps

With the prototype now undergoing static ground tests to verify structural integrity and systems integration, the program is moving toward its next major hurdles. Based on the current status reported by Actu Aero and broader industry data, the aircraft is expected to enter the paint shop shortly.

Maiden Flight Expectations

While speculation initially suggested a potential flight before the end of 2025, the consensus among industry observers is that the maiden flight will occur in the early weeks of 2026. This timeline allows engineers to fully validate the “Smart Throttle” system and the complex fly-by-wire architecture adapted from Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet.

Entry into Service

The Falcon 10X program has faced delays common to the current aerospace supply chain environment. Originally targeting a 2025 entry into service (EIS), Dassault has revised this target. According to previous financial reports and program updates, the manufacturer is now aiming for certification and service entry in late 2027. This schedule accommodates the development timeline of the Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, which are integral to the jet’s performance profile.

AirPro News Analysis

The sighting of the Falcon 10X prototype is more than a technical milestone; it is a strategic necessity for Dassault. The ultra-long-range segment is currently dominated by Gulfstream and Bombardier, both of which have successfully certified their flagship models (the G700 and Global 7500/8000, respectively).

Dassault’s decision to prioritize cabin width, the 10X boasts a cross-section wider than both its competitors, suggests a gamble that passenger comfort will outweigh raw range statistics for top-tier buyers. By finally moving the metal onto the tarmac, Dassault is sending a clear signal to the market that the 10X is a tangible reality, not just a paper airplane, helping to secure the backlog of orders necessary to sustain the program through 2027.

Aircraft Specifications and Market Context

The Falcon 10X represents a significant leap in capabilities for Dassault. It is designed to bridge the gap between traditional business jets and “VIP” airliners, offering a cabin size that exceeds current industry standards.

• Range: 7,500 nm (13,900 km), capable of connecting New York to Shanghai nonstop.
• Cabin Dimensions: 9 feet 1 inch wide and 6 feet 8 inches tall, making it the widest and tallest purpose-built business jet cabin.
• Propulsion: Two Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, each delivering over 18,000 lbs of thrust and compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• Avionics: The NeXus Flight Deck, featuring touch-screen displays and a single-lever throttle control for both engines.

These specifications place the 10X in a unique niche. While the Bombardier Global 8000 holds the crown for range (8,000 nm) and speed (Mach 0.94), the Falcon 10X counters with superior interior volume and advanced flight control laws derived from military applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Falcon 10X fly for the first time?
Based on the recent ground tests reported by Actu Aero, the maiden flight is expected in early 2026.

Is the Falcon 10X replacing the Falcon 8X?
No, the Falcon 10X is a new flagship product that sits above the 8X in Dassault’s lineup, offering greater range and a significantly larger cabin.

What engines does the Falcon 10X use?
It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, marking a shift from the Pratt & Whitney Canada engines used on the Falcon 6X and 8X.

Sources

• Actu Aero
• Dassault Aviation

This article is based on an official press release from ExecuJet MRO Services.

ExecuJet MRO Services Completes First Starlink Retrofit on Falcon 8X

ExecuJet MRO Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has announced the successful completion of its first Starlink satellite internet retrofit on a Falcon 8X business jet. The installation, performed at the company’s heavy maintenance facility in Belgium, marks a significant step in bringing high-speed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity to the Dassault fleet.

According to the company’s announcement on December 17, 2025, the retrofit was executed under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) developed directly by Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ). This certification is now available across the entire Dassault MRO network, standardizing the upgrade process for operators seeking to modernize their in-flight connectivity.

The project highlights a growing trend of OEM-backed connectivity upgrades, ensuring that third-party hardware like SpaceX’s Starlink integrates seamlessly with the airframe’s existing performance standards.

Engineering the Retrofit

The installation process utilized Starlink’s latest generation aviation hardware, which includes an electronically steered phased array antenna. A critical component of this specific retrofit was the use of an “antenna doubler.” This structural adapter is designed to minimize invasive modifications to the fuselage.

ExecuJet engineers confirmed that the installation required no cutting of major structural frames, a method chosen to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft. Following the installation, the company conducted a successful test flight to verify system performance. Crucially, the test confirmed that the modification preserved the Falcon 8X’s signature quiet cabin environment, a key selling point for the long-range jet.

“We have a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians capable of managing complex installations efficiently and to OEM standards.”

Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services

Authorized Dealer Status

Beyond this specific installation, ExecuJet MRO Services has been appointed an authorized Starlink dealer by SpaceX. This status allows the MRO provider to supply and install the hardware directly, streamlining the supply chain for customers. The dealership agreement covers retrofits across a wide variety of business jet types, extending beyond the Dassault family to include the Bombardier Global and Challenger series, the Embraer Legacy family, and Gulfstream aircraft.

Connectivity Performance and Global Rollout

The Starlink “Aviation” package installed on the Falcon 8X is designed to deliver office-tier connectivity speeds to the cabin. According to technical specifications released in conjunction with the project, the system offers low-latency internet capable of supporting high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, cloud applications, and large data transfers.

While the Belgium facility handled the Falcon 8X project, ExecuJet is leveraging its global footprint to expand these services. The company reported that its Australian operation has already completed two Starlink installations on Bombardier Global aircraft, with the most recent project finalized in November 2025. Additional installations are currently underway at Dassault Aviation Business Services in Geneva and Dassault Falcon Jet service centers in the United States.

“This combines ExecuJet’s MRO Services expertise with Starlink’s global internet service, offering operators seamless connectivity even in the most remote regions. Our end-to-end capability, from supply to installation, certification and ongoing support, positions us well to meet growing customer demand.”

Graeme Duckworth, President of ExecuJet MRO Services

AirPro News Analysis

The involvement of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in developing the STC for this installation is a critical detail for asset owners. While third-party connectivity retrofits are common, an STC developed by Dassault Falcon Jet offers Falcon owners a higher degree of assurance regarding warranty preservation and resale value.

Furthermore, the specific mention of the “antenna doubler” addresses a common concern among owners of ultra-long-range jets: noise. The Falcon 8X is marketed heavily on its cabin silence. By engineering a solution that reinforces the skin without invasive structural cutting, Dassault and ExecuJet are signaling that connectivity upgrades need not come at the expense of cabin comfort. This move positions Dassault to aggressively compete with newer “connectivity-ready” jets entering the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which aircraft are eligible for this Starlink retrofit?

According to ExecuJet, the solution is available for the Falcon 7X, 8X, 900LX, and 2000LXS. ExecuJet is also authorized to install Starlink on Bombardier Global and Challenger series, Embraer Legacy, and Gulfstream families.

Does the installation affect the cabin noise level?

No. ExecuJet utilized a specific antenna doubler and performed test flights to ensure the aircraft’s signature quiet cabin environment was preserved.

Who developed the certification for this installation?

The Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) was developed by Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ) and is available to the entire Dassault MRO network.

Sources: ExecuJet MRO Services