OT: Greg Biffle

[sclawman77]

I don't follow Nascar closely but sounds like former driver Biffle, his wife and kids were killed in a private jet crash this morning in NC. Very sad if true.

 

[Sparklecity]

 

[Sparklecity]

He was a hero. He flew people to safety in his chopper last year during the floods

 

[sclawman77]

He was a hero. He flew people to safety in his chopper last year during the floods

Yes, I read he was an experienced helicopter pilot and flew rescue missions last year during Helene. Sounds like a great guy.

 

[will110]

A terrible tragedy. Greg, his wife, and his two kids were in the plane apparently.

 

[Go Gamecocks]

A terrible tragedy. Greg, his wife, and his two kids were in the plane apparently.

7 total.

 

[Gradstudent]

Horrible news

 

[Cackmandu]

Tragic news! Rest in peace Biffle family.

 

[Psycock]

Agree - incredibly sad entire family is gone just like that, plus 3 more. RIP all.

 

[Go Gamecocks]

There's an exceptional airline pilot on YouTube (Captain Steve), who has some insight on what happened.
He explains things with great detail and with much dignity, class, respect. At the end of his video, he has some wonderful things to say about Greg Biffle.

 

[JohnnySolo]

I wish these wealthy individuals would stop trying to fly. The plane was either not maintained properly or the pilot didn't react appropriately to the issues of the plane. Too many deaths related to private flights. I flew to Fort Jefferson one year on a private plane. The next year the same plane and pilot crashed doing the same thing. Life is too short to take these chances.

 

[sclawman77]

I wish these wealthy individuals would stop trying to fly. The plane was either not maintained properly or the pilot didn't react appropriately to the issues of the plane. Too many deaths related to private flights. I flew to Fort Jefferson one year on a private plane. The next year the same plane and pilot crashed doing the same thing. Life is too short to take these chances.

He owned the plane but paid pilots to fly it. I think it was an older model Cessna Citation so probably required more maintenance.

 

[CWW]

I wish these wealthy individuals would stop trying to fly. The plane was either not maintained properly or the pilot didn't react appropriately to the issues of the plane. Too many deaths related to private flights. I flew to Fort Jefferson one year on a private plane. The next year the same plane and pilot crashed doing the same thing. Life is too short to take these chances.

And I think at least one or more of the other passengers were pilots.

 

[sclawman77]

And I think at least one or more of the other passengers were pilots.

Right, 3 licensed pilots on board. The man and his son, who attends Auburn, and Biffle. They believe the man and his son were flying the plane but haven't confirmed. They were going to Christmas gathering at Bradenton race track and then to the Bahamas to celebrate Biffle's birthday and Christmas.

Biffle has a YouTube channel and appeared to be a devoted family man. Very sad story all around.