NASCAR Star’s Plane Faced Instrument Failures Before Crash
A tragic plane crash in North Carolina last month claimed the life of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his family, and three others. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates the Cessna C550 encountered multiple instrument failures shortly after takeoff.
Crash Details and Preliminary Findings
The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the aircraft took off from Statesville Regional Airport. This occurred under challenging conditions, including light rain. Just 11 minutes into the flight, the jet encountered critical failure.
The flight was piloted by Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, who lacked the necessary qualifications to operate the Cessna C550 solo. Dennis Dutton had a strong aviation background, having served in the Air Force and flown for Delta Air Lines for over three decades. However, his licensing required a qualified second-in-command, which Jack was not.
Instruments and Takeoff Issues
Before takeoff, signs of trouble were evident. During the taxi to the runway, the crew, including Biffle, observed that the thrust reverser indicator for one engine was inoperative, even though the engine itself was functioning. As they accelerated, discrepancies between engine outputs raised further concerns.
Four minutes into the flight, the autopilot disengaged. Around the same time, crucial cockpit instruments began to fail. Dutton transferred control to his son as they attempted to return to the airport.
- Failure of autopilot and altitude indicators.
- Inoperable gear deployment indicators.
- Loss of critical navigation data.
Final Moments Before the Crash
Two minutes prior to the crash, Dutton requested landing gear deployment, but the indicator lights did not activate. A minute and a half earlier, the younger Dutton communicated issues over the radio, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Shortly before impact, Biffle questioned the functionality of the alternator—an equipment that the Cessna C550 does not have. Just seconds later, they spotted the runway, but disaster struck as the plane clipped light poles and trees, crashing approximately 350 feet from the runway.
Investigation Status
The NTSB has not yet drawn conclusions regarding the crash’s causes. Initial examinations showed no engine failure, but the thrust reversers were never deployed during the final approach, and thrust levers remained in full-power position despite decreasing airspeed as they neared the runway.
Biffle, 55, was not only a celebrated NASCAR driver but also recognized in 2023 as one of the sport’s top 75 drivers. His passing, alongside that of his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, marks a profound loss in the motorsport community.
Passenger Details
- Greg Biffle (NASCAR driver)
- Cristina Biffle (wife)
- Emma Biffle (daughter, 14 years old)
- Ryder Biffle (son, 5 years old)
- Dennis Dutton (pilot, father)
- Jack Dutton (pilot, son)
- Craig Wadsworth (co-passenger)
Memories of Biffle’s legacy continue to resonate as the investigation unfolds. Further findings from the NTSB are anticipated in the coming months to shed light on this tragic event.
