Nashville, TN – A chilling final text message—”We’re in trouble.”—sent by Nichole Biffle, wife of NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, moments before a small plane crash in Tennessee has added a heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy that claimed her life and the life of the pilot earlier this week.
The single-engine Cessna 150, en route from Mount Juliet to Crossville, crashed in a wooded area near Lancaster, Tennessee, on the afternoon of October 2. According to preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft experienced an unspecified emergency shortly before losing contact with radar.
A Final Message
Investigators revealed that Nichole Biffle, 45, managed to send a brief text to a family member in the moments after the pilot reported trouble to air traffic control. The message, which simply read “We’re in trouble,” underscores the urgency and fear in the aircraft’s final moments. The NTSB is analyzing the aircraft’s maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
Who Was On Board?
The crash claimed two lives:
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Nichole Biffle, a beloved figure in the NASCAR community and wife of 2005 NASCAR Truck Series champion Greg Biffle.
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James “Jim” Sanders, 65, an experienced private pilot and family friend from Crossville, TN.
Greg Biffle, who retired from full-time NASCAR competition in 2016, was not on the flight. The couple, married since 2022, were well-known in racing circles for their philanthropic work, particularly with animal rescue organizations.
The Aviation Safety Context
The Cessna 150 is a common training aircraft, but like all general aviation planes, it requires specific maintenance and weather considerations. The NTSB’s ongoing investigation will focus on:
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Mechanical failure or fuel issues
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Weather conditions (clear skies were reported, but wind patterns are being reviewed)
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Pilot’s recent flight experience and health
General aviation accidents, while statistically rare, often involve a chain of events rather than a single cause. The full NTSB report, including a probable cause determination, is expected in 12-18 months.
Community and NASCAR Family Responds
The NASCAR community has rallied around Greg Biffle, with an outpouring of support from drivers, teams, and fans. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a close friend and former competitor, tweeted: “Heartbroken for Greg and the entire Biffle family. Nichole was a light in this world. Sending all our love.”
A private memorial service is being planned in North Carolina, where the Biffles reside. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Biffle Foundation, which supports animal welfare causes Nichole passionately championed.
