NTSB Publishes Initial Findings on Greg Biffle Plane Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released preliminary findings regarding the tragic plane crash involving former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. The incident occurred in December and resulted in the loss of seven lives, including Biffle and his family.
NTSB Findings on the Plane Crash
The Cessna Citation 550 crashed nine minutes after taking off from Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The aircraft was attempting to return to the airport when it fell approximately 1,030 feet short of the runway and caught fire upon landing. Although the NTSB has provided initial insights, a definitive probable cause will be available in about 12 to 18 months.
Victims of the Crash
The crash claimed the lives of all seven individuals onboard:
- Greg Biffle
- His wife, Cristina Grossu
- His children: 14-year-old Emma and 5-year-old Ryder
- Pilot Dennis Dutton and his son Jack
- Biffle’s employee, Craig Wadsworth
The group was en route to Florida, with a planned stop in Bradenton to visit racer and content creator Cleetus McFarland.
Pilot Credentials and Flight Issues
According to the NTSB report, Dennis Dutton served as the primary pilot, with Jack Dutton as the co-pilot. While Jack had accumulated 175 flying hours, he was not certified to act as a co-pilot for this type of aircraft. Additionally, the primary pilot was supposed to have a certified co-pilot present.
During the flight, Biffle, who was seated in the rear, observed that the left engine was generating more power than the right. He provided assistance to the pilots in identifying potential technical issues, despite not being in a position to operate the aircraft.
Instrument Malfunctions
The NTSB findings also highlighted potential issues with the aircraft’s instruments:
- The altitude indicator appeared to malfunction.
- Additional left-side flight instruments may not have functioned properly.
However, there was no indication of an uncontained engine failure for either engine. The cockpit voice recorder was retrieved but suffered from poor audio quality, requiring significant effort to extract understandable portions of the recording.
Legacy and Tributes
Greg Biffle, known for his remarkable racing career, won 19 Cup Series races and secured championships in both the truck and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series while driving for Roush Fenway Racing. As tributes pour in throughout the 2026 NASCAR season, his family has established the Biffle Family Legacy Impact Fund in collaboration with the Foundation for the Carolinas. This fund is dedicated to supporting individuals in need, reflecting Biffle’s commitment to community service.
Notably, Biffle was also recognized for his heroic efforts during Hurricane Helene, where he used his helicopter to conduct rescues and deliver critical supplies and communication equipment.
