NTSB Report on Biffle Plane Crash Sparks Further Questions

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report concerning the tragic plane crash involving former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. The incident occurred on December 18, 2025, during a flight from Statesville Regional Airport, located about 40 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina. The crash claimed the lives of all seven individuals on board, including Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children, and close friend Craig Wadsworth.

NTSB Report on Biffle Plane Crash: Key Findings

The NTSB’s report, though preliminary, identified several operational issues with the Cessna Citation 550. Here are the main points outlined:

• The primary pilot, Dennis Dutton, held the necessary certification but was required to have a co-pilot who was also certified.
• Dutton’s 20-year-old son, Jack Dutton, who was not certified to co-pilot the aircraft, was in the cockpit alongside his father.
• Instrument failures were reported, and there were difficulties in visibility as the flight continued.
• The plane crashed approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, hitting a light stanchion and igniting before reaching the runway.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Crash

Despite the information provided in the NTSB report, many critical questions remain unanswered. A definite cause of the crash has yet to be established, and the final report won’t be available until possibly 2027.

• The report describes the sequence of events leading to the crash, indicating a series of failures rather than a single cause.
• The cockpit voice recorder malfunctioned, missing vital moments leading up to the disaster.
• The left engine experienced problems, including a delayed start and potential power discrepancies, further complicating the situation.

Reactions from Experts and the Community

Anthony Brickhouse, a former NTSB investigator, suggested that the lack of a qualified co-pilot could have contributed to the crash. However, he emphasized that multiple factors are often involved in such incidents.

As the NASCAR community continues to mourn the loss, memorial services held for the victims reflect the profound impact of this tragedy. Hundreds gathered in Charlotte on January 16, 2026, to honor those lost.

While the NTSB report sheds light on certain aspects of the crash, the quest for closure remains elusive. The families of the victims and the broader community are left to grapple with the aftermath and search for understanding in this heartbreaking event.